VAL 206

Last updated
VAL 206
VAL206 Ligne A Toulouse.JPG
VAL 206 train in Toulouse
In service1983–present
Manufacturer Matra, GEC-Alsthom
Formation2 cars per set
Specifications
Car body construction Aluminium alloy
Car length12.7 m (41 ft 8 in)
Width2.06 m (6 ft 9+18 in)
Height3.25 m (10 ft 8 in)
Doors3 per side
Maximum speed80 km/h (49.7 mph)
Traction system GTO chopper control (GEC-Alsthom)
Traction motors 4 × 120 kW (160 hp) DC motor
Power output480 kW (640 hp)
TransmissionRight-angle Cardan drive
Acceleration 1.3 m/s2 (4.3 ft/s2)
Deceleration 1.3 m/s2 (4.3 ft/s2)
Electric system(s) 750 V DC third rail
Track gauge Null (rubber tyre guideway)

The VAL 206 is one of the VAL series, an automated guideway transit system manufactured by Matra. Because it uses rubber tires, it is suitable for applications that require high acceleration / deceleration.

Contents

The 206 classification comes from the fact that the width of the vehicle is 206 cm (6 ft 9+18 in). The train is two-car formation. It is unmanned operation, but it can also be operated manually as needed. It was succeeded by the VAL 208.

Overview

Because of automatic operation, the delay is small, the train density can be increased. On the other hand, since this train is basically a two-car train, it is suitable for low-population areas and medium-sized cities.

Interior

Although the vehicle is small, the window is large, so it is a car with open feeling. Air conditioning is not installed. Plastics are widely used for many parts, but doors and handrail are made of stainless steel. The color tone inside the car varies depending on the railway operator.

Traction equipments

The control system is a chopper control system using a GTO thyristor and drives a direct current motor. The traction motor is body mounted, and the power is transmitted via the Cardan joint and the hypoid gear.

Operators

LocalityOperatorModel YearComments
Lille Lille Metro 1982
Toulouse Toulouse Metro 1993Refurbished in 2011 in 2014.
Paris Orly Airport Orlyval 1990

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References

Commons-logo.svg Media related to VAL 206 at Wikimedia Commons