Rail Vehicles

Rail transport must become more attractive and significantly improve its offering in the competition for passengers and freight. A significantly higher share of rail in the further increase in transport volumes will make a major contribution to the decarbonisation of transport.

Next Generation Train running gear

The mechatronic high-tech running gear dispenses with continuous wheel axles. The 1:1 prototype is used to research and demonstrate how rail vehicles can be made more wear-resistant, lighter, more energy-efficient, more comfortable, more reliable and more digital.

Increased stability against crosswinds

The transformation of railway operations into a networked, safe and sustainable mobility of the future is a central research topic at DLR in the context of the Next Generation Train (NGT). The management, linking and use of data from the vehicle and the infrastructure enable new data-based services for optimised and safe rail operations. One example of this is the stabilisation of (high-speed) rail vehicles against crosswinds based on the currently prevailing wind conditions.

InTra

The InTra project (short for Infrastructure and Transformation) deals with the diverse issues of the major upheaval that is emerging in the railway infrastructure as the backbone of rail transport.

TraCo

A future rail system must be designed to be both flexible and (cost) efficient in terms of the mobility transition and long-term competition and mobility security, without compromising on safety or sustainability. These aspects therefore also apply to the automated rail system of the future.

Rolling Stock (RoSto)

The requirements for the design of future generations of rail vehicles are currently changing in the area of conflict between sustainability, economic efficiency and increasing mobility, comfort and safety requirements. This affects both the mechanical architecture and the interior design of rail vehicles.

Propulsion and Coupling (ProCo)

The global challenges of transport in terms of climate change, securing mobility and managing the transition to a sustainable transport system are complex. The ProCo project represents a holistic and integrated approach that aims to enable climate-friendly, resource-efficient and sustainable rail transport.