Voith RailPacks Going To Alstom

Voith will deliver its RailPack 400DM, consisting of the manufacturer’s Voith Rail Engine and mechanical transmission, for use in Alstom’s regional train platform Coradia Lint.

The RailPack 400DM units will be delivered over the course of five years, under a contract recently signed between the Heidenheim-based manufacturer and French rail supplier Alstom. An order for the first 24 units has already been approved.

“Voith’s extensive expertise in the rail sector and their deep understanding of our specific requirements make them the ideal partner for us,” said Dr. Jörg Nikutta, managing director, Alstom Germany & Austria. “The technologies implemented in the RailPack will help us to keep meeting the changing demands in regional and suburban train operation both in terms of overall performance and sustainability.”

RailPacks are installed in the underfloor area of railcars, in order to save space. They comprise all components required for the drive and the auxiliary systems, for example diesel engine, transmission, power generation and air supply in one compact package. Depending on the application, the cooling system can be configured as a roof-mounted or underfloor unit.

“We are delighted to be chosen as Alstom’s long-term partner,” said Cornelius Weitzmann, CEO Mobility at Voith. “Like all of our technologies, our RailPack 400DM was developed with the customers’ specific needs in mind. This contract is further confirmation that our 150-year experience will continue to help us future-proof the rail sector.”

Starting in April 2021, Voith will deliver its diesel-mechanical RailPack 400DM units for use in Alstom’s regional train platform Coradia Lint. Part of the unit is the low-emission, diesel-fueled Voith Rail Engine. With its power density of up to 480 kW and a maximum torque of 2800 Nm, it enables a speed of up to 145 km/h. Thanks to a highly efficient exhaust aftertreatment system, the engine is in accordance with the Stage 5 emission standard coming into effect throughout Europe in 2021, the company said.

Also included in the RailPack 400DM is an innovative mechanical transmission based on the manufacturer’s well-established DIWARail. The transmission will offer improved fuel consumption, further adding to the system’s environmentally friendly operation. As a single product, this new transmission will officially be launched in 2020.