KNORR-Bremse and VTG have signed a framework agreement to install the digital FreightControl Sentinel system on 2000 wagons of VTG’s British fleet by 2029. The value of the transaction has not been disclosed, but is understood to be in the “mid-double digit million euro range.”
According to Knorr-Bremse, FreightControl Sentinel significantly reduces wheel defects such as flats, improving the safety and efficiency of freight operations while improving fleet availability.
Powered by axle generators and incorporating wheel slide protection technology developed by Knorr-Bremse, FreightControl Sentinel monitors wheel and brake condition to reduce the risk of wheel and rail damage and enabling maintenance schedules to be optimised.
The system also forms the digital backbone of the VTG iWagon platform, a pilot project developed by VTG Rail UK and Knorr-Bremse that combines mechatronic components, modern sensor technology, and intelligent data analysis.
“This solution transforms new and existing wagons into intelligent iWagons with continuous monitoring of safety-related components,” says Mario Beinert, member of the management board at Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems. “In addition to the rollout in Britain, we will soon be offering this in other rail markets, starting with Europe.”
Since the contract was signed, VTG Rail UK, whose wagon fleet currently totals around 4000 vehicles, has received a significant number of orders for iWagons with FreightControl Sentinel installed for customers such as Heidelberg Materials, Breedon Group, Tarmac, and Alvance British Aluminium.
As a standalone solution, FreightControl Sentinel is a key component of Knorr-Bremse’s Digital Freight Train programme and is seen as a lower-cost alternative to the Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) under development in the European Union (EU). The Digital Freight Train incorporates innovations such as the FreightLink digital automatic coupler and the FreightControl automation system, which enable mission-critical train functions such as automatic coupling, safe remote uncoupling, and automatic brake testing.
