Fiat Pendolino: Developments, experiences and perspectives

Abstract

The objective in introducing tilting systems for passenger trains is to optimize the service, shortening travel time and improving comfort, while making minimum alterations to existing track layouts and service conditions. The development of the Pendolino system is described in this paper, starting from early tests on bogies and on tilting systems. The author then describes the extensive service experience of Fiat, with more than 50 million train-km produced and 100 trainsets in service or under construction for service in European countries. An outline is presented of current developments and the product strategy, together with a description of available R&D prediction/measuring tools.