Hopper car with aluminium-alloy roof is certified

United Wagon Company and Arconic Russia inform about certification of a new hopper car with a high-strength aluminium-alloy roof for grain transportation. The use of aluminium increases carrying capacity of the hopper to 77 tons by reducing tare weight by more than one ton in comparison with fully-steel analogues currently used in Russia. Hopper capacity is increased to 120 cubic meters, providing efficient transportation of lightweight grain products (meal, cake from pressed seeds, etc.) with full use of the 25-ton axle load.

Use of new material also improves the corrosion resistance of roof elements and loading hatches, and was approved by the Federal State Budgetary Enterprise Russian Scientific Research Institute of Railway Hygiene of Rospotrebnadzor as safe in case of contact with food products. The aluminium roof is attached to the steel body using BobTail® clamping bolts, manufactured by a one of Arconic’s divisions. The bolts are one-piece, mechanical fastenings, which, unlike traditional fastenings, are not weakened by high levels of vibration.

The certificate for serial production of model 19-9549-02 hopper car was obtained in accordance with the technical regulations of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union “On the safety of the rolling stock”.

Kirill Kyakk, CEO of the All-Union Research and Development Centre for Transportation Technology (part of RPC United Wagon Company), commented:

"We are bringing to market a new generation of railcars, which offer economic gains for all those involved in rail transportation. The improved technical and economic characteristics of the cars make it possible to carry more cargo at a lower cost. This is achieved not only by optimizing the design and improving individual systems, but also by the use of modern materials, including aluminium alloy. The results of our work confirm the excellent prospects offered by new materials, which improve the user qualities and operating efficiency of the car."

Maxim Smirnov, the President of Arconic Russia, commented:

"The technical and operating advantages from the use of aluminium in railcar construction add value for operators and make freight transportation more profitable. Together with our partner we have created an economically effective alternative to the traditional hopper. This underlines the strategy of our company, which is to promote the use of aluminium in new industrial segments and support the development of the Russian aluminium industry."

United Wagon Company and Arconic Russia continue working together to create a new Russian rail tank car using aluminium.