Stadler is thrilled to announce the first public appearance of its new trimodal rescue multiple unit. The unveiling of this innovative vehicle, featuring advanced drive and safety technology, took place today at the ÖBB educational campus in St. Pölten. Stadler will deliver 18 of these multifunctional and low-emission fire and rescue units to ÖBB-Infrastructure AG (ÖBB). These units will be stationed as “service jets” at various tunnel portals and will be deployed on-site alongside fire departments. The vehicles were developed and manufactured at Stadler’s Swiss locations in Bussnang and St. Margrethen.
The new Stadler rescue multiple unit boasts 68 meters of cutting-edge safety features, a top speed of 160 km/h in both directions, and a trimodal drive concept. Its electric hybrid drive can utilize multiple energy sources: the overhead line, powerful traction batteries, and diesel generators. This enables the rescue unit to implement a revolutionary extinguishing and rescue approach: it can navigate through smoke-filled tunnels to reach the source of a fire, rescue individuals from damaged trains, tow these trains, fight fires, and safely remove itself and its cargo from danger.
Johann Pluy, CEO of ÖBB-Infrastructure AG: “If an operation occurs, we can provide assistance even faster than before with our new service jets. They provide more performance in a larger area of application. The new concept also enables a reduction from 21 to 18 vehicles.”
«With the rescue multiple unit, we put a highly innovative concept on the rails in accordance with the requirements of the ÖBB infrastructure and were able to meet all of the customer’s quality and safety requirements. That’s why we’re now taking the next steps together towards the mobility of the future. Stadler will build long-distance trains of the KISS type as well as intercity and regional multiple units of the FLIRT type for ÖBB,” said Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stadler.
Versatile Capabilities for Various Applications
The new Stadler rescue multiple unit is a tactical all-rounder. It is designed to handle the worst-case scenarios, including firefighting and rescue operations in railway tunnels, evacuating passengers from other trains, and performing maintenance work. In emergencies, the three carriages can accommodate over 300 people, accessible from front to back. Eighteen seats are equipped with SCBA holders for firefighters. The air conditioning system, with special filters, protects occupants from smoke gases, and the entire train set is pressurized to maintain a slight overpressure, keeping the interior smoke-free in tunnels. The front of the train, including the driver’s cab, can be protected by an external water spray system.
The rescue multiple unit can be equipped with thematically arranged roll containers, transporting firefighting equipment like portable pumps, forest firefighting gear, breathing apparatus, and special protective suits. At ÖBB Infrastructure, these containers are fully loaded at bases, stowed in the trains as needed, and unloaded at deployment sites using built-in lifts, allowing emergency teams to respond quickly to various scenarios.
Advanced Firefighting Technology
Two distinct extinguishing systems are available for firefighting: a high-pressure system (100 bar) generating fine spray mist to cool tunnel tubes or wet verges during transit and prevent ignition, and a normal pressure system (10 bar) for classic firefighting. The train carries 40,000 liters of water and 1,200 liters of foam in the middle car, applied via two high-pressure and one normal-pressure cannons, each independently controlled from the driver’s cab. Two jet fans on the roof’s front and rear transport the water mist from the high-pressure monitors. These fans can also generate counterpressure in smoke-filled tunnels to prevent smoke flow reversal during evacuations. Powerful spotlights and thermal imaging cameras aid search and rescue operations, enabling emergency services to see through smoke.
Customized Solution
The “Servicejet” is a custom solution for the Austrian Federal Railways, also approved for the German rail network. Rail Equipment GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, purchased the train. The rescue train will debut during the commissioning of the Koralmbahn, featuring its 33 km long Koralm tunnel.
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