SNCF Z50000 Francilien
The SNCF Class Z 50000, also known as the “Francilian”, or “NAT” (Nouvelle Automotrice Transilien) is a type of dual-voltage electric multiple unit trainset designed in the 2000s. It is commuter rail system serving Paris and its Île-de-France suburbs on the Transilien network. Departing stations are Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est.
A total of 360 trainsets have either been built or are under construction by Canadian conglomerate Bombardier at its Crespin, France (near Valenciennes) factory since 2006. The first set was placed into regular passenger service on 14 December 2009.
The name Francilien is also the demonym for people living in Île-de-France.
Bombardier vehicle design is articulated using Jakobs bogies between the carriages. Seating is in a 3+2 layout giving over 400 seats in a seven-car unit, over 500 in an eight-car set. The vehicle’s width is 3.06 metres (10 ft), which is wider than previous trains, achieved by having a relatively short car length of 13.24 metres (43 ft). The inter-carriage passages have wide, open gangway connections, limiting bottlenecking. All interior lights are provided by light-emitting diodes (LED), so power consumption is lessened. Technical details: SPACIUM Environmental Product Description.
A train is divided into two distinct sets of traction chain, cars 1 to 4 on the one hand and cars 6 to 8 on the other hand. Each of these half-elements has two traction chains in parallel, redundancy which reduces the risk of unavailability in the event of a breakdown. The Z 50000 are distinguished by another specific feature: in normal operation, only 80% of the available power, or 2,650 kW (3,860 hp) for one element, is used. In the event of failure of one of the engine blocks, the other engines are actuated at 100% in order to ensure the normal operation of the train.
Manufacturer: Bombardier Transport (Germany)
Years of production: 2009—2022
Production: 360 trainsets
Capacity: 760 passengers (396 seats)
Track gauge: 1,435 mm
Power output: 2,620 kW
Max speed: 140 km/h
Empty weight: 216 t
