Projects

Scope of Business: Rail Vehicle Technology
Focus: Supervision of the Manufacturing Process and Technical Acceptance Tests
Clients: Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe GmbH (VBK), Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft mbH (AVG)
Project Term: 2011 - 2013
Project Locations: Karlsruhe, Bautzen, Siegen, Vienna
Amount of Investment: Approx. Euro 129 million

Project Description

The transport companies of Karlsruhe (VBK) and Albtal (AVG) ordered a total of 30 new dual-system light rail vehicles of the type 'FLEXITY Swift' with an option for up to a further 45 vehicles from Bombardier Transportation. The success of the 'Karlsruhe Model' and the expansion of the area to be served made it necessary to increase the number of dual-system vehicles which were authorized according to the German BOStrab regulations and the Ordinance on the Construction and Operation of Railways (EBO).
The new vehicles consist of 3 car sections with a total length of 37 m providing 93 seats and standing space for 151 people. Up to four vehicles can be coupled together and it is also possible to couple vehicles from the previous generation. The maximum speed of the vehicle in full operation is 100 km/h. The air-sprung bogie type BOMBARDIER FLEXX Urban 2500 should increase the quality of the suspension, smoother running and promote less wear and tear of wheels and rails.
The production of the new light rail vehicle takes place at the Bombardier sites in Bautzen and Vienna.
VCDB was awarded the contract for the supervision of the manufacturing of the vehicles due to their experience in the fields of tram and train, their knowledge of the manufacturers and the relevant reference projects.

VCDB's Scope of Services

• Development of a test and acceptance strategy for efficient supervision during production
• Acceptance of the car body shells of all vehicles at Bombardier Transportation in Bautzen
• Separate acceptance of underframes and paint coat of the first car bodies
• First Article Inspections of selected components from the suppliers
• In-process inspections of final assembly of Bombardier Transportation in Vienna and regular transmission of production progress reports to the client
• Final acceptance of the vehicles prepared for delivery to Karlsruhe

Contact

Ivo Köhler Uwe Hanke