EADS Receives Million-Euro Order for Radio Systems of the High-Speed Magnetic Levitation System in Shanghai
Ulm, 11 July 2001
Transrapid, the new high-speed magnetic levitation (Maglev) system in Shanghai, will be equipped for safe operation with an advanced radio system of the Business Unit Systems & Defence Electronics of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company). The Ulm-based EADS subsidiary Racoms (Radio Communication Systems GmbH & Co. KG) has been awarded a contract for the development of the Transrapid radio system (order value of 29 million euros) by the Transportation Systems Group of Siemens AG. As reported by the company on Wednesday, the advanced radio system will ensure highly reliable real-time transmission of all data and information needed for the operation of the high-speed Maglev system.
"We are pleased that EADS will contribute its high-level information technology to such a renowned project as Transrapid", says Dr. Stefan Zoller, Head of the EADS Business Unit Systems & Defence Electronics.
The radio system ensures the necessary data transmission between the operations command/control technique and the trains travelling at high speeds. For data transmission, the Ulm-based company makes use of its radio relay system in the 38 GHz range which is specifically suited for fast and mobile radio transmission. Highly focussing antennas along the travel route are used to prevent route parts of being in the radio shadow. Methods which have been developed especially for this application guarantee transmission quality and reliability. The contract volume also includes planning, delivery of all mobile and stationary radio equipment and the design of centralised and decentralised radio control equipment.
"The decision of Siemens in favour of the Ulm-developed radio system, which has already been tested on the Transrapid test facility in Emsland, will give EADS Racoms the opportunity to participate in further Transrapid routes planned in China, the USA and Germany", states Bernhard Gerwert, Head of the EADS Operating Unit Naval and Ground Systems; Racoms is an organisational member of this unit.
The high-speed Maglev system in Shanghai is the first commercial Transrapid application route and will link the international Shanghai-Pudong airport to the Luijazui financial centre. The first demonstration travels are planned for early 2003. The Maglev trains will need seven minutes for the 30-km route and will run every ten minutes at a speed of 430 km/h. These high speeds are achieved by virtue of the non-contact and track-safe train operation in a magnetic gliding field.
With revenues amounting to 24.2 billion euros (2000) and a workforce of 100,000 employees, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS is the largest aerospace and defence company in Europe and number three world-wide.
Ulm, July 11, 2001/02401
For further information:
Business Unit Systems & Defence Electronics
Michael Hartwig, Tel:+49(0)7545 8-9124, Fax -8-5888
E-Mail: hartwig.michael@dornier.dasa.de
