Digital automatic coupler news
DAC is intended to provide a physical automatic centre coupling between wagons and locomotives, with electrical and data connections to support a variety of digital functions. DAC is being widely hailed as a game changer that will boost the efficiency of rail freight and revitalise wagonload operations across Europe, and work is underway to finalise the standards and develop migration strategies.
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Innovation: Testing and revenue service trials mark Digital Automatic Coupling progress
Digital Automatic Couplings are expected to transform the prospects for European rail freight, with fundamental changes to both technology and operations, but introduction can only be achieved step by step. Testing and revenue service trials are now underway, preparing the path to a widespread roll-out.
TÜV Süd puts digital automatic couplers to the test
GERMANY: TÜV Süd’s Görlitz rolling stock test centre is carrying out extensive stress tests on digital automatic couplers from several manufacturers to support the authorisation process.
Funkwerk reports progress in meeting FRMCS standards
EUROPE: Telecoms component specialist Funkwerk Systems has announced several important milestones towards standard-compliant implementation of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System.
Voith couplers ordered for DAC pilot project
GERMANY: The DAC4EU digital automatic coupler pilot project has commissioned Voith to supply further couplers for trials using 13 wagons and one locomotive.
Comment: Rail freight’s push for visibility
There are welcome signs that the rail freight sector is starting to seize the opportunity to become a key element in the global logistics sector, argues our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley.
Rail freight innovations on show as Transport Logistic 2025 ‘makes an invisible industry visible’
GERMANY: ‘Nothing works without logistics’, and the Transport Logistic event ‘makes visible what often remains invisible in everyday life’, said Stefan Rummel, CEO of trade fair organiser Messe München, as the biennial event closed on June 5.
Trade associations urge Brussels to back Europe’s Rail successor
UNIFE calls for research funding to ’keep the European rail supply industry number one’
Rail freight coalition calls for EU action
Heavy steel train tests digital automatic couplers in real-world conditions
Interview: SBB’s Ducrot prioritises co-operation over competition
Comment: Rail must respond to Draghi’s challenge
DAC programme agrees electrical coupler standard
Rail Logistics: Freight trains are getting smarter
Rail freight associations raise ‘serious concerns’ about digital automatic couplers
Freight: ‘Nobody is writing us a cheque for €13bn’
Technology: Innovation must come faster
Comment: Green credentials on the line
Train Control: Say goodbye to lineside hardware with satellites and digital comms
Pop-up workshops to retrofit digital automatic couplers
Viewpoint: We cannot afford another failure
Competitive Freight Wagon aims to boost rail freight
Viewpoint: DAC needs a migration strategy
Making Digital Automatic coupling a reality in Europe