HÜBNER's FrontAdd System

Improved aerodynamics and greater resilience: with its newly developed FrontAdd System the HÜBNER Group is bringing an innovation to the market that effectively protects train front ends together with coupling elements from environmental influences. In addition, the aerodynamics makes it possible for operators to reduce energy use and thus to save costs. HÜBNER will be presenting the innovative system at InnoTrans. In the Class IC5 Coradia Stream EMUs from HÜBNER’s long-standing partner Alstom for the DSB, the HÜBNER FrontAdd System makes an important contribution to the aesthetic and functional design of the train.

The key element of the FrontAdd System is a corrugated bellows from the proven HÜBNER production. It is integrated onto the coupling at the front of the train, thereby providing additional protection. With its elegant design it covers and protects the technical components such as cables, windshield wiper tank and motor in the front end of the train. In this prominent position, it enhances the optical appearance of the train and also has a sound insulating effect that reduces noise levels in the cockpit. 

The FrontAdd System offers a wide range of individual solutions for various vehicle and coupling models and can already be ordered in variable quantities from HÜBNER. It is compatible with all train-to-train connection systems and can be seamlessly integrated into vehicles.The FrontAdd System offers a wide range of individual solutions for various vehicle and coupling models and can already be ordered in variable quantities from HÜBNER. It is compatible with all train-to-train connection systems and can be seamlessly integrated into rail vehicles.

Train availability is of critical importance to transit operators in order to ensure that customers are provided transport service with as few interruptions as possible. The new FrontAdd System makes an important contribution to the goal of minimizing breakdowns and downtimes due to wear and reducing maintenance and repair costs. By protecting the front components from wear coming from external factors, it helps to ensure higher vehicle availability. 

The HÜBNER FrontAdd System not only protects the coupling at the front of the vehicle from extreme environmental influences such as sand, moisture, snow and small objects, but also shields the sensitive technical equipment in the front end of trains. The high-quality and especially robust corrugated bellows material in proven HÜBNER quality can withstand the extreme forces encountered while the train is driving. It effectively reduces wear on the installed parts, thus lowering maintenance costs. The system also features easy accessibility and installation, which facilitates fast maintenance processes.

Despite its all-round protective effects, the FrontAdd System does not impair coupling functionality. Instead, it improves the aerodynamics of the vehicles, reducing air resistance by approximately 3 %. In this way, the FrontAdd System allows for a reduction in energy consumption of around 2 % with a corresponding effect on CO₂ emissions. These valuable technical properties and the aerodynamic design have received special recognition as part of the “Red Dot Award for Design Excellence 2024”.