Today, a framework contract was signed between LTE Logistics & Transport Austria and Softronic Craiova for the acquisition of five TransMontana v3.2 locomotives.
These five locomotives belong to the new version 3.2, which will be equipped with ETCS provided by Thales Group. They are TSI (Technical Specifications for Interoperability) certified at the European level for freight train operations with a maximum speed of 120 km/h.
ETCS (European Train Control System) is the central signaling and control component of the ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System). It continuously calculates a safe maximum speed for each train, providing in-cab signaling for the driver, and taking over control if the speed limit is exceeded.
For ETCS, both trackside equipment and onboard systems must be standardized according to the different ETCS levels required by each country’s railway system.
The first two locomotives from the new series for LTE will be delivered in 2023 and will operate in Romania, Hungary, and potentially Austria. Currently, LTE owns five TransMontana locomotives with serial numbers 480-004, 019, 024, 029, and 030.
The TransMontana locomotive, now in its third version, has been designed, built, tested, and certified to operate at altitudes of up to 1,500 meters, withstanding temperatures ranging from -30°C to +40°C, and 100% relative humidity.
