Equipments

developed by CAF, allows rail vehicles to adapt to any track gauge, whilst traveling and in just 3 seconds.

This new rolling system developed by CAF can be applied to any type of train, regardless of its origin and technology.

Just by replacing the old trucks with the BRAVA ones, trains presently in service can be transformed into variable gauge wheelset trains and run at speeds of up to 275 Km/h.

The BRAVA system has successfully passed the UIC gauge (AVE) track tests on the Córdoba-Seville line, at a speed of 250 Km/h. It has even achieved 275 Km/h on the La Sagra-Ciudad Real section.

How does the BRAVA work?

The BRAVA Universal System consists of two sets of wheels that can be pre-set to shift sideways over a non-rotating axle.

While the train is running, the action of a double safety device prevents the wheels from moving sideways. This device can only be deactivated automatically, at the gauge change stations.

The wheels are separated by means of a blocking-unblocking device, automatically activated during the gauge change process.

Why BRAVA?

The BRAVA Universal System has many advantages because it is:

• Safe and comparable to other high-responsibility components: in order to develop this advanced system, CAF has used the most modern calculation, simulation and testing techniques.
• Reliable and available in accordance with the most demanding railway standards: in designing this system, we have followed the recommendations of the European standard EN 50126 and the American standard MIL-STD-882C, in order to implement safety management throughout the entire design process.
• Indiscriminately applicable to either concentrated or distributed traction systems -diesel or electric-, for all kinds of rolling stock.
• Compatible with the wide range of existing vehicles and technologies: Intercity, Regional and tilting trains, passenger cars...