At this year's Eurailspeed in Madrid, Siemens Transportation Systems (TS) presented for the first time its brand-new high speed platform Velaro as well as a 1:1 mockup of the AVE S 103, the new high speed train for the Spanish National Railway Renfe (Siemens designation: Velaro E). Technically speaking, the Velaro concept is based on further developments of the successful ICE 3 trainset for German Rail (DB AG) which features distributed drive equipment. With its Velaro platform, Siemens is consistently adhering to the approach taken in Spain: namely, to manufacture and offer high speed trains completely on its own.

Herbert H. Steffen, President of the TS Group, referred to the presentation of the mockup as a milestone in the history of European high speed rail travel. "Velaro E is a showpiece not only for Renfe but also for Siemens." Steffen also emphasized the fact that Velaro E is the first high speed trainset to be built entirely by Siemens without the help of any consortium partners.

The AVE S 103 is scheduled to run on the 625 kilometer long link from Madrid to Barcelona. The journey from the Spanish capital to the Mediterranean city will last less than two and a half hours. The trainset with its traction power of 8,800 kW can attain a maximum operating speed of 350 kph. Like on the ICE 3, the traction components and system modules are located under the floor, which allows 20 percent more space for passengers over the same relative train length. The train can also accelerate more quickly (thanks to a more favorable adhesion coefficient), since 50 percent of the axles are directly driven. This propulsion concept furthermore enables the train to negotiate gradients of up to 40:1000. The improved weight distribution throughout the entire multiple unit eases the load on the individual wheels, clearly falling short of the international specification of a maximum of 17 metric tonnes per wheel set. The length of 200 meters allows all Velaro trains to be used in coupled-car or multi-section formation.

The AVE S 103 provides space for 404 passengers in three classes (Club, Business and Economy). Of note are the high standard of comfort, the video and audio programs and the catering, for which four onboard galleys are installed. The head of the train features a Club-class end car with a conference room, VIP area and separate galley. Next comes the Business class, with smart fittings and individual service to Business-class standard. The cafeteria car is the link to the Economy class, where areas for customers, for train staff and for unaccompanied baggage are to be found. Of interest is that practically all seats in the new Spanish train can be rotated and are turned in the direction of travel before the journey starts. In all coach classes, sizable video displays keep travelers entertained. All seats feature six stereo audio programs. LED interior and exterior displays provide passengers with up-to-date information in Spanish, Catalan and English. In matters of signaling, the AVE S 103 is equipped both with a familiar LZB continuous ATC system and with the new European Standard ETCS; this renders it suitable for international operation.

It was in July 2001 that Siemens and Renfe signed the contract for delivery of 16 high-speed trains. The order is worth a total of €705 million, €401 million for manufacturing and commissioning of the trains, and €304 million for full maintenance of the whole fleet within the next 14 years. The tests required for approval will be performed in 2004 when the first vehicle is ready. The remaining vehicles will be delivered in 2004.

Pictures:
Pictures of the Velaro E are available at http://www.siemens.com/ts-pictures/03-002

Siemens AG
Corporate Communications
Press Office
D-80312 Munich
Germany

Information number:
TS TR 200210.002 e
Press Office Transportation Systems
Bernd Edelmann
P.O. Box 3240,
D-91050 Erlangen, Germany
Tel.: +49-9131-7 27338;
Fax: -7 24598
E-mail: bernd.edelmann@ts.siemens.de