MOROCCO IS ACCELERATING! feature - Alstom

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