DBAG Class 430
| Company type | Electric multiple unit |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Predecessor | DB Class 420 EMU |
| Founded | 2012 |
Area served | Germany (Stuttgart, Rhine-Ruhr, Rhine-Main S-Bahn networks) |
| Products | Electric multiple units for commuter rail services |
| Parent | Bombardier and Alstom (joint development) |
The Class 430 EMU is an electric railcar specifically engineered for German S-Bahn commuter services, developed collaboratively by Bombardier and Alstom. Launched in 2012, it succeeded the older DB Class 420 EMUs on the Stuttgart S-Bahn network.
Stuttgart
In February 2009, plans were revealed to replace the remaining 90 Class 420 EMUs with 83 new Class 430 units, marking the initial introduction of this model within Germany. By May 2009, DB Regio had placed an order for these trains, with deliveries planned between February and December 2012, including an option for an additional 83 units. This option was later expanded in December 2010 to potentially include up to 166 units intended for the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn network. Furthermore, in October 2011, the Stuttgart Region Transport Committee authorized the procurement of four extra Class 430 units to accommodate growing service requirements.
Rhine-Ruhr
In December 2009, the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr confirmed the integration of Class 430 trains, with delivery completion targeted by the end of 2012. This acquisition comprised a total of 116 vehicles combining both Class 422 and Class 430 models. Nevertheless, in April 2011, further orders were withdrawn due to an impending tender process for lines S5 and S8, where existing locomotive-hauled trains were planned to be replaced by Class 422 units instead of Class 430.
Rhine-Main
In November 2011, the Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund announced that the Class 430 would supplant the aging Class 420 fleet during the timetable update for 2014/2015, following a successful bidding process for the S-Bahn network. Under this agreement, Deutsche Bahn and Bombardier declared a €500 million contract for 90 Class 430 vehicles in December 2011. By early 2014, these trains were allocated for testing and driver training within the Frankfurt region.
Technology and equipment
The Class 430 walk-through multiple units share similarities with the Class 422 and provide an air-conditioned passenger environment equipped with gap bridging features to enhance safety. Units operating in Stuttgart are fitted with sixteen CCTV cameras per train, glass shelving, and LED illumination. Each train is equipped with eight screens indicating upcoming station stops, with upgrades planned by 2013 to display connecting service information when available.
Compared to the Class 423 units used in Stuttgart, Class 430 trains generate less noise during startup and exhibit lower energy consumption than the older Class 420 models. The length of each train is longer than that of the Class 423 but shorter than the Class 422. The driver's cab meets EN 15227 crashworthiness criteria and is extended relative to that of the Class 423. The middle car features a single row of seats replacing a double row arrangement, reducing its length to fit alongside a standard platform; three coupled sets measure a total length of . These trains utilize magnetic track brake systems and provide operators with two door control modes: unlocking doors for passengers to open individually or unlocking and automatically opening all platform-side doors simultaneously. In comparison with the Class 423, the Class 430 offers more operable windows and larger vestibule information displays akin to those found on the Class 425, while exterior destination displays are twice as large. Seating incorporates standard DB color schemes with leather headrests and ergonomically designed padded seatbacks for enhanced comfort.
Production
The initial manufacturing is carried out by a partnership between Alstom in Salzgitter and Bombardier located in Hennigsdorf. By 2010, 29 trainsets were under construction in Salzgitter, with an additional 54 units scheduled for production at Bombardier's facility in Aachen. A total of nine vehicles will be subjected to rigorous testing before they enter full operational service.