USA: Union Pacific has begun testing Arrowedge, a device designed to reduce fuel consumption by improving the aerodynamics of double-stack intermodal trains.
The first wagon of the train is loaded with one container, with the 14·6 m (48 ft) Arrowedge sitting on top. Its tapered body improves air flow around the following double-stacked containers, reducing aerodynamic drag and thus energy consumption.
Union Pacific developed Arrowedge in-house and holds two US patents for the device, with additional US and Canadian patents pending.
