BELGIUM: Operational authorisation has been granted for the first locomotive equipped with a software-defined onboard automatic train protection platform developed by Škoda Group subsidiary The Signalling Company. This is designed as a universal platform able to host multiple signalling applications.
The HLD77 diesel loco belonging to freight operator Lineas is initially running the national TBL1+ train protection system. However, the modular software-defined architecture using an iEVC safe computer and RailOS operating system offers the ability to support multiple national safety systems and ETCS on a single platform, allowing upgrades to be installed quickly and cost-effectively.
ETCS certification is expected soon, while the development of a PZB application for Germany is well advanced. A KVB module for use in France is also planned. This would allow the locomotives to operate seamlessly between Belgium and neighbouring countries.
‘The authorisation of the HLD77 marks the realisation of a vision that we have shared with Lineas from day one and which was subsequently embraced by Škoda Group’, said TSC Managing Director Alexandre Bétis on September 9. ‘Software-defined signalling can be more than a dream. It’s here, its now, it’s real, and we invite everyone to come and witness it in action.’
