SKF has received an order from Alstom for approximately 1,500 axleboxes equipped with compact tapered roller bearing units for the new gener-ation of Italian Pendolino trains. These bearing units incorporate SKF sensors to monitor the bearing temperature as well as speed and train positioning. These signals are used for ETCS, the European train control system. Alstom decided on the SKF proposition based on the total solution of bearing units and mechatronics.

Alstom in Italy plans to build a new generation of 26 Pendolino tilting train sets. Fourteen trains will be used by Cisalpino for the railway connecting Italy and Germany via Switzerland. Twelve additional trains are being designed for the high-speed lines of the Italian railway system and will be operated by Trenitalia. The bearings are manufactured in Italy and the axelboxes in France. SKF will deliver the units during 2006.

The new Pendolino trains mark an important stage in the process of modernization of Trenitalia’s fleet. They can run on the networks of other European Union countries. The new Pendolino generation is the fourth generation of trains based on tilting technology, all of which are equipped with SKF bearing solutions.