MOROCCO IS ACCELERATING! feature - Alstom
MOROCCO IS ACCELERATING! feature - Alstom
MOROCCO IS ACCELERATING! feature - Alstom
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42<br />
technology<br />
Pendolino<br />
�<br />
bodyshells, magnesium structures for seats<br />
economising 12 kilos per unit, hollow axles<br />
saving a ton per bogie… The list of solutions<br />
found to lighten all components is a long one.<br />
With a higher centre of gravity and wider<br />
cars, the Duplex’s aerodynamics are<br />
also different to those of a conventional TGV.<br />
It became necessary to consider wind<br />
resistance, notably for the power unit,<br />
particularly vulnerable to this type of pressure.<br />
To anticipate these new <strong>feature</strong>s as<br />
effectively as possible, the train’s designers<br />
even built a life-size model.<br />
Uninterrupted gangways, an access area<br />
at platform level, luggage areas in the middle<br />
of cars so that bags and suitcases remain<br />
constantly within sight of their owners…<br />
The entire interior design was also<br />
reconsidered. With doors placed at the same<br />
level as the platform, the Duplex permits<br />
people with reduced mobility to board easily.<br />
The bar area, located on the upper level,<br />
Duplex<br />
has a slightly lowered fl oor to obtain<br />
a higher ceiling and offer a better surrounding<br />
view, all the train’s auxiliary electrical<br />
equipment (batteries, compressors...)<br />
being grouped under the car. The fi nal<br />
innovation: give the passenger additional<br />
legroom, with slightly reclining seats,<br />
a substantial improvement in terms of<br />
comfort. Today, more than 150 Duplex<br />
trainsets are in operation in France.<br />
A proof of its success, in 2007 the SNCF<br />
ordered a series of 55 additional latest<br />
generation Duplex trainsets. These offer<br />
a degree of interoperability that is unique<br />
on the market. They will be able to adapt<br />
to all European standards, notably those<br />
concerning electric power and signalling<br />
and will run in France, Switzerland<br />
and Germany. Their air-conditioning will be<br />
reinforced for services in Spain and<br />
their structure consolidated for going through<br />
tunnels. The fi rst trainsets should come<br />
off the production line early in 2011.