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Alstom Aventra

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The Alstom Aventra (sold as the Bombardier Aventra until 2021) is a family of electric multiple unit (EMU) passenger trains produced at Derby Litchurch Lane Works in the United Kingdom, originally by Bombardier Transportation and later by Alstom, as a successor to the Bombardier Electrostar. A large proportion of its design is based on the Electrostar, adding new technologies and achieving compliance with more stringent requirements and operator demands.

Alstom Aventra
Elizabeth line Class 345 Aventra
Manufacturer
Built atDerby Litchurch Lane Works
Replaced
Constructed2015–present
Entered service22 June 2017
PredecessorBombardier Electrostar
SuccessorAlstom Adessia[1]
Formation
  • 3 per set (730)
  • 4 per set (710)
  • 5 per set (
    • 701
    • 710
    • 720
    • 730
    )
  • 9 per set (345)
  • 10 per set (701)
Operators
Depots
Specifications
DoorsSliding plug (2 or 3 per side)
Maximum speed75–110 mph (120–180 km/h)
Weight30–35 t (30–34 long tons; 33–39 short tons) per car[3]
Electric system(s)
Current collector(s)
BogiesFlexx-Eco[4]
Braking system(s)Disc & regenerative
Multiple workingWithin individual classes
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

Bombardier began developing the Aventra in 2009 based on feedback from train operating companies (TOCs) and upcoming regulation changes. It has been designed to provide a generic platform for conducting inter-regional, commuter, metro, and high-speed passenger services.[5] It has been claimed to be more efficient and flexible than the Electrostar, which was mainly achieved via the greater use of digital technology. The development of a bi-mode version of the Aventra, incorporating batteries, was proposed as a replacement for existing diesel multiple-units.

The first order for the Aventra came from the Crossrail programme in 2014. Numerous other operators have since ordered the type, including London Overground, Greater Anglia, South Western Railway, c2c and West Midlands Trains.

Description

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The Aventra was developed by Bombardier Transportation principally as a successor to their prolific Electrostar electric multiple unit (EMU) family, the final example of which was delivered during 2018 after nearly twenty years of continuous production.[5] According to Niall Simmons, Bombardier's Head of Bids Engineering, development work on what would become the Aventra had begun as early as 2009, although its design had significantly evolved during this time[5] in response to the feedback gathered from various train operating companies. The platform was to be made adaptable to serve various subsections of the passenger rail market, including inter-regional, commuter, metro, and high-speed services.[5] Furthermore, the introduction of increasingly stringent regulations had driven a need either to extensively redesign the Electrostar, or to develop a replacement family. Bombardier has reportedly invested in excess of £50 million into the development of the Aventra.[5]

In comparison with the Electrostar, the Aventra has been designed to be lighter and more energy-efficient, with greater flexibility.[5] It has also been claimed to provide greater levels of comfort and reliability.[6][5] Among the differences in the design are various measures to improve operational efficiency, including the adoption of wider gangways and doors to shorten station dwell times by speeding up passenger boarding; the gangway has reportedly been designed to allow better use of the interior space and ease of movement throughout the train.[7][8] The Aventra features a redesigned interior, which Bombardier has indicated to be the main visual difference between the two platforms.[5]

A major area of divergence between the two platforms is the greater use of digital technology on board the Aventra platform,[5] partly in response to operators' requests, such as the train control management system.[5] The platform also uses predictive maintenance instead of traditional prescriptive maintenance. Far more reporting information spanning more functionality is generated by the Aventra than on the previous Electrostar family.[5] The signalling apparatus supports the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).[4]

Structurally, the Aventra is relatively lightweight, the body of each carriage having been redeveloped from the Electrostar.[5] It comprises various welded assemblies that attached to one another via bolts. The vehicle also incorporate the FlexxEco bogie, previously used in service on other Bombardier trainsets, such as the Voyager and some of the later-built Turbostars.[9] While the older Electrostar family are not compliant with the Technical Standards of Interoperability (TSI) introduced in 2017, the Aventra was specifically designed for compliance with the more rigorous regulatory requirements.[5]

During 2018, Bombardier promoted the prospective development of a bi-mode version of the Aventra, intended to be capable of speeds up to 125 mph (200 km/h). This bi-mode trainset, which would have incorporate batteries, positioned itself as a potential successor to several older diesel multiple-units, such as the Bombardier Turbostar and Voyager platforms.[10]

The primary manufacturing site for the Aventra was established at Bombardier's Derby Litchurch Lane Works facility; Simmons has stated that the Derby production line was intended to manufacture the type not only to fulfil British orders but also those placed by overseas operators.[5] Each operator can choose to customise the design of its Aventra fleet; common variations have included different vehicle lengths, modified propulsion systems, and interior changes. Much of the onboard equipment has been designed to be flexible and upgradable. Some customers, such as the London Overground, have intentionally stylised their Aventra's interiors to maintain a high degree of commonality with their existing Electrostar fleets.[5]

In November 2021, Alstom signed a memorandum of understanding with Eversholt Rail Group to build 10 three-car hydrogen multiple units.[11] These trains never got ordered.

Orders

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As of May 2024 a total of 2,651 vehicles have been built for six operators:[12]

Crossrail

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The first order for the Aventra platform was a £1 billion contract for 65 Class 345 nine-car EMUs (with an option for 17 more) for the London Crossrail programme in February 2014,[5] which built the Elizabeth line. These are operated by Elizabeth line concession holder MTR Crossrail and have replaced Class 315, Class 360 and Class 387 on Shenfield Metro, Heathrow and Reading services respectively.[13]

In July 2017, it was announced that the order would be increased to 70 trains;[14] the contract for the additional trains was signed in March 2018.[15]

In April 2024, with the future viability of the Derby Litchurch Lane manufacturing plant in serious doubt due to a lack of orders, a further follow-on order for 10 additional trains was indicated (5 previously agreed plus a further 5 trainsets making a total of 10 trains) in response to strong growth of passenger numbers on the Elizabeth Line and future expected service increases to cope with the interchange with High Speed 2 services at Old Oak Common Interchange.[16]

In June 2024 it was announced that 10 more 9 car Class 345s had been ordered.[17]

London Overground

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London Overground Class 710 at Willesden Junction in 2019

London Overground ordered 54 four-car trains (Class 710) in July 2015, with an option remaining for 15 more, similar to those being used for Crossrail. They have replaced Class 315, Class 317, Class 172 and Class 378 or the entire fleet in 2019 on Lea Valley, Gospel Oak and Watford DC lines and are operated by London Overground concession holder Arriva Rail London.[18]

Greater Anglia

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Greater Anglia Class 720 at Stratford in 2021

In August 2016 Greater Anglia was awarded the new East Anglia franchise, including an order with Bombardier for Class 720 units. 22 ten-car trains and 89 five-car trains were originally ordered (665 carriages). They replaced the Class 317, Class 321, Class 360 and Class 379s.[19] Greater Anglia later amended the order with all to be built as five-car sets.[20]

South Western Railway

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On 20 June 2017, Bombardier was awarded a contract to build 750 cars for South Western Railway (SWR). The Class 701 units are into 30 five-car and 60 ten-car sets and replace SWR's 455 suburban fleet.[21][22][23]

On 9 January 2024, the first Class 701 unit entered revenue service after more than four years of delays.[24]

West Midlands Trains

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On 17 October 2017, Bombardier was selected to build a total of 84 Class 730 EMU units (324 carriages) for West Midlands Trains. These will be formed into two separate types; 48 three-car units, and 36 five-car units.[25]

The 3 car Class 730 sets entered service on 13 November 2023.[26]

c2c

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In December 2017, c2c ordered six ten-car Aventra units, which were proposed to enter service in summer 2021.[27][28] These will replace six 4-car Class 387 units leased from 2016.[29] In 2020 the order was amended to be for 12 five-car units instead, mirroring the change made by Greater Anglia to their order.[30] These entered service in September 2023.[31]

Alstom Aventra variants

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Class Operator Introduced Number Power Carriages Carriage Length (m) Door configuration End gangways Image
Class 345 Elizabeth line June 2017[32] 70 AC electric 9
(7 from 2017)		 24 Plug, 6 sets of doors per carriage No  
Class 701 South Western Railway January 2024[33] 30 DC electric 5 20 Plug, 4 sets of doors per carriage  
60 10
Class 710 London Overground March 2020[34] 31 AC electric 4 20  
May 2019[35] 18 Dual voltage
6 5
Class 720 c2c September 2023[31] 12 AC electric 5[36] 24  
Greater Anglia November 2020[37] 133  
Class 730 West Midlands Trains November 2023[26] 48[25] AC electric 3 24 Yes  
Expected in 2024[38] 36 5

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Holley, Mel (1 May 2024). "Elizabeth Line '345s' offer a lifeline for Derby Works". Rail Magazine. No. 1008. p. 8.
  2. ^ "New Electric Train Stablings Sidings". West Midlands Railway. 29 January 2020. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  3. ^ "Weight-loss drives step-change". The Rail Engineer (October 2009). Archived from the original on 22 February 2013.
  4. ^ a b Bednall, Joe (June 2010). "A low impact commuter train". Rail Professional. No. 159. p. 27.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Clinnick, Richard (28 January 2018). "From the archives: Mind the generation gap". Rail Magazine.
  6. ^ "Aventra – Proven Innovation". The Rail Engineer (60): 17–19. October 2009.
  7. ^ "The customer is king". The Rail Engineer. No. 65. March 2010. pp. 28–29.
  8. ^ Bedminster, Paula (December 2009). "The lightweight Aventra" (PDF). Rail Professional. No. 153. pp. 8–9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 March 2012.
  9. ^ "Bombardier's Aventra – A new era in train performance". www.rail.co.uk. 21 March 2011. Archived from the original on 20 March 2012.
  10. ^ Clinnick, Richard (29 March 2018). "Bombardier bi-mode Aventra to feature battery power". Rail Magazine. Peterborough: Bauer Media Group. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  11. ^ Clinnick, Richard. "Agreement signed for Britain's first new hydrogen train". International Railway Journal. Falmouth: Simmons-Boardman Publishing. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  12. ^ Clinnick, Richard (May 2024). "Production lines stop at Litchurch Lane". Headline News. Rail Express. No. 336. p. 10.
  13. ^ "Bombardier wins Crossrail train contract". Railway Gazette International. London. 6 February 2014. Archived from the original on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  14. ^ "TfL to order more Elizabeth line trains". Global Rail News. 13 July 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  15. ^ "More Crossrail trains ordered". Metro Report International. 27 March 2018. Archived from the original on 16 September 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  16. ^ "Alstom's Derby plant to be saved after 'intensive talks', say reports". TheBusinessDesk.com. 16 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  17. ^ "Alstom signs a €430 million contract for 10 Aventra trains with associated maintenance for the Elizabeth line in London". Alstom. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  18. ^ Sadler, Katie (3 July 2015). "Bombardier to supply and maintain 180 AVENTRA vehicles for London Overground". European Railway Review. Retrieved 15 September 2015.
  19. ^ Barrow, Keith (10 August 2016). "Abellio clinches East Anglia franchise". International Railway Journal. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  20. ^ All Five-Car 720s for Greater Anglia] Modern Railways issue 866 November 2020 page 84
  21. ^ Johnson, Robin (20 June 2017). "Derby's Bombardier lands South West Trains order worth almost £900 million". Derby Telegraph. Retrieved 20 June 2017.[permanent dead link]
  22. ^ "FirstGroup and MTR order 750 EMU cars for South Western franchise". International Railway Journal. 20 June 2017.
  23. ^ Pritchard, Robert (May 2024). "SWR timetabling and fleet update". Today's Railways UK. No. 267. pp. 40–42.
  24. ^ "Why are the 'Arterios' more than four years late?". Rail Magazine. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
  25. ^ a b "West Midlands Trains launches CAF '196s'". Modern Railways. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  26. ^ a b @LNRailway (13 November 2023). "☀️ Happy Monday, all - Serenity & Lauren here until 7pm today.
    🥳 It's an exciting day today... Our BRAND NEW 730's are making their official debut!
    🌧️ Weather is wet & miserable today, so please take extra care when boarding & alighting your train.
    📸 Down on the Stour"     (Tweet). Retrieved 13 November 2023 – via Twitter.
  27. ^ "Bombardier to supply Aventra EMUs to c2c". Railway Gazette. 14 December 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  28. ^ Briginshaw, David (14 December 2017). "Britain's c2c franchise orders Aventra EMUs". International Railway Journal. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  29. ^ "New trains boost to deal with 'unprecedented' demand". Railnews. 13 April 2016. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  30. ^ "Five-car Aventras for c2c". Modern Railways. Stamford: Key Publishing. May 2021. p. 87.
  31. ^ a b Banks, Ethan (27 September 2023). "c2c new trains enter passenger service this morning". Basildon Canvey Southend Echo. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  32. ^ Clinnick, Richard (31 May 2017). "Delayed start for first Crossrail Aventra". Rail Magazine. Bauer Consumer Media. Archived from the original on 31 May 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  33. ^ @SW_Help (9 January 2024). "Lots of excitement today as our first customers got to experience our fabulous new Arterio trains" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 January 2024 – via Twitter.
  34. ^ "Bombardier Class 710/1s finally make their passenger debut on West Anglia suburban routes". Rail Magazine. 4 March 2020. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  35. ^ "Aventra finally enters Barking-Gospel Oak service". Rail Magazine. 28 May 2019. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  36. ^ "New trains as Abellio scoops East Anglia franchise". www.railmagazine.com.
  37. ^ "Greater Anglia Class 720 Aventra EMUs enter service". Railway Gazette International. DVV Media International. 27 November 2020. Archived from the original on 17 December 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  38. ^ Clinnick, Richard (February 2024). "Fleet Survey:The Aventras". Railways Illustrated. No. 252. pp. 46–47.
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