(22/01/2015)  After its arrival in Saudi Arabia at the end of December 2014 and the necessary adjustments, the trainset is now ready to undergo tests. The next train is due to be shipped to Arabia in April. This operation will be repeated until completing the delivery of the 36 trains of the Haramain fleet, which could be increased by 23 additional trains if the Saudi client confirms so.

The service will start in 2017 with a fleet comprising 35 class trains and one special VIP train ordered by the Saudi royal family that is of a higher level of luxury.

Characteristics

The new trains derive directly from class 112, the last “patos” (“ducks”) delivered to Renfe for its high-speed services. Like those trains, the new vehicles will run at a speed of up to 300 km/h, covering the 450 km distance of the new line the Spanish consortium is building.

The sand of the desert and the extremely high temperatures of up to 55º C have required specific adaptations in order to prevent sand and heat from entering the train. The high-power air conditioning systems on each coach guarantee the fulfilment of the extreme thermal requirements of this service.

Besides, the train is provided with a back-up power supply module, ensuring the cooling system is functioning in case of the overhead line failure. This will maintain a high level of comfort aboard. The train will have 417 seats comprising Business and Economy class.