UK: Thales has launched the Mk4 version of its Train Protection & Warning System control unit, which is designed to offer additional features through a simple upgrade from previous versions.
The first deployments of the Mk4 will be with Northern Ireland Railways and Chiltern Railways, where installation is expected to begin later this year.
The Mk4 is designed to be easy to fit and to work with existing onboard systems with no need for reconfiguration, changing anything under the vehicle or undertaking first in class testing. It offers interoperability with ETCS, with built-in suppression so that it can automatically recognise and adapt to whatever signalling system is installed on a line.
The device has the same footprint as the existing Mk1/Mk3 TPWS Control Units, with the single-cab version omitting the connector for a second cab to save space on multiple-units where each vehicle only has one driving position. It offers spoken-word diagnostic information, and alerts advising the driver why there has been an intervention.
The Mk4 could be combined with the Robust Train Positioning System to provide Isolated Speed Limited Authority and Radio Based Limited Supervision.
‘TPWS has served the industry well for over 20 years, and we are excited to announce this latest upgrade to enhance and continue its safety record’, said Tristian Crawshaw, Head of Product Sales, Thales Ground Transportation Systems, when the device was presented at the Railtex/Infrarail trade fair in London.
