Outlook Phases V and VI

With the second extension of the project, the focus is once again on advancing the next steps toward a production-ready DAC and testing it in real-world operation.

The tests carried out in phases III and IV have confirmed that the available DAC systems can in principle be integrated into the operational processes of rail freight transport. At the same time, important technical insights were gained and the foundations for European standardization were laid. However, some detailed questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding downhill operation and the robustness of the digital components.

The upcoming phases will therefore focus on the reliability of the systems under real operating conditions. The demonstrator train used to date offers only limited possibilities for this, as it does not have homogeneous vehicle and technology equipment and can only be used to a limited extent for real loading and unloading processes.

For phases V and VI, the aim is to test a uniform technology package in regular commercial operation. This could preferably be done on non-federal infrastructure or, alternatively, in other European countries. The aim is to validate the solutions developed in the previous phases under realistic conditions and thus create a reliable basis for the further series development of the DAC.

Schedule for phases V and VI: