Non-articulated 80ft InnoWaggon - PJM Carried Out Overall Approval Tests

Innofreight plans to expand its portfolio of wagons to include a non-articulated 80-foot InnoWaggon. With the prototype, produced by Tatravagónka, the approval tests have already been completed, and now the necessary documents for ERA approval are being delivered, with the approval expected to be achieved by this autumn. Only then does Innofreight expect to commission the batch production.

Tatravagónka is a manufacturer of the widespread non-articulated 80-foot wagons, historically based on a joint development with METRANS, but the Innofreight wagon is a separate design, even slightly shorter and lighter, with a length over the buffers of 25,710 mm and a tare weight of just 19.5 t, as reduced wagon weight was the primary requirement. The loading area is the standard 1,155 mm above TOR, top speed 120 km/h and the bogies are with front-beams. This is therefore another new design of non-articulated 80ft wagon on the European market after WALBO presented its design at last year's InnoTrans.

The overall approval tests of the non-articulated 80-foot InnoWaggon were carried out by the Graz-based PJ Messtechik (PJM) as an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing body. The individual test areas were evaluated in several stages:

- Fatigue strength: The strength tests were carried out by the PJM engineering experts according to EN 12663. Another task of the engineering team was to optimize the strength. The static tests were carried out by means of a mobile pressure frame at the site of MFL Liezen. The buffing impact tests took place mainly in St. Michael, not far from Innofreight's headquarters.
- Brakes: The static and dynamic tests according to TSI WAG:2020 were also carried out in the St. Michael area. The uncoupling tests were carried out with various loading conditions.
- Acoustics: The acoustic measurements according to TSI NOI 2014/1204/EU were used to determine pass-by noise, rail roughness and track decay rate.

This project included two novelties:
- Uncoupling device: For the first time, a new device developed by PJM was used for the suspension tests. The new component has proven itself very well since it is lighter, smaller and easier to operate.
- Solar energy: The measuring instruments were supplied with energy by means of a solar panel. The panel can be set up in just a few steps and provides sufficient power for the measurement tests in good weather.

Peter Lackner, CEO of InnoWaggon GmbH, which is part of the Innofreight Group, explained: "The new 80ft InnoWaggon enables even more efficient transports of biomass and other light bulk goods. This allows us to shift more goods from road to rail as well as to optimize existing transports. PJM is a longtime partner who has supported us in these further developments," 

Martin Joch, PJM CEO, said: "With its numerous innovations, Innofreight not only provides customers with immediate added value, but also makes a significant contribution to the further development of rail logistics. Thanks to innovative concepts and ongoing development like Innofreight, environmentally friendly rail freight transport is strengthened. With our broad expertise in engineering as well as a testing facility, we are able to ideally accompany and support all development steps in the implementation of new rail vehicles."