First in class dynamic testing of European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 onboard equipment on a Class 66 and Class 387 has been completed at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre in Melton as part of the East Coast Digital Programme.
Nos 66039 and 387101 will now undergo mileage accumulation as the next stage in the approvals process with a target of 5,000 miles of fault-free operation.
Installation of the first in class equipment was undertaken in a collaboration between Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway, Porterbrook, Alstom (for onboard Class 387 equipment) and Siemens Mobility (onboard kit for the Class 66).
Network Rail ECDP Industry Partnership Director Ed Akers said: ‘This is significant progress with two strategically important fleets. Our partners have worked hard on both these projects to get to this point – those efforts will provide ongoing benefits with durable designs for key fleets. Preparing all the fleets is ECDP’s biggest challenge, but the facilities at RIDC are helping us take big steps forward toward a digital future.’
Testing has involved transition into and running into full ETCS Level 2 full supervision mode as well as running safely in degraded modes.
