| VAG Class DT3 | |
|---|---|
 A Class DT3-F train at Hauptbahnhof U-Bahn station in June 2016 | |
| Manufacturer | Siemens |
| Family name | Modular Metro |
| Constructed | 2004–2011 |
| Number built | 92 vehicles (46 sets) |
| Formation | 2 cars per set |
| Fleet numbers | 701/702–763/764 (DT3) |
| Capacity | 308 (82 seated) |
| Operators | VAG |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Aluminium |
| Train length | 37.72 m (123 ft 9 in) |
| Width | 2.90 m (9 ft 6 in) |
| Doors | 3 pairs per side |
| Maximum speed | 80 km/h (49.7 mph) |
| Weight | 59.2 t (58.3 long tons; 65.3 short tons) |
| Traction system | IGBT–VVVF |
| Power output | 1,120 kW |
| Electric system(s) | 750 V DC third rail |
| Current collection | contact shoe pantograph (maintenance only) |
| Braking system(s) | Electric brake, pneumatic brake, spring accumulator brake |
| Safety system(s) | ATC, ATO, ATP |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) |
The VAG Class DT3 is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by the Verkehrs-Aktiengesellschaft Nürnberg on the Nuremberg U-Bahn system. It is the first type of rolling stock on the Nuremberg U-Bahn that has gangways between the individual cars.[1]
Every DT3 train consists of two permanently coupled cars, forming a twin-unit. The cars are connected with a gangway, allowing passengers to walk into the adjacent car. The trains are equipped with automatic couplers, enabling operation of up to two units together to form a four-car train.[1]
Seating accommodation consists of transverse seating bays as well as folding seats. The trains have displays which show the name of the next station, and CCTV cameras.[1] Passenger information screens and a passenger counting system are implemented in the DT3-F trains.[2][3]
The car bodies are made out of aluminium, and the trains are powered by three-phase-asynchronous motors.[1] As they are used in automatic operation, the DT3 trains are not equipped with full driving cabs, but only with small concealed driving panels, which are used for maintenance.[4] The DT3-F trains are equipped with full driving cabs, enabling them to be used on driver operated services on non-automated lines. The cabs are designed to be removed in case of a conversion for fully automated operation.[5] Besides the power supply by contact shoes, every unit is also equipped with a pantograph, as parts of the maintenance facilities are electrified with overhead lines.[1]
The first unit was delivered in April 2004 as part of the "Rubin" project, which planned to introduce fully automated trains on the Nuremberg U-Bahn.[4][1] Rubin is an acronym for Realisierung einer automatisierten U-Bahn in Nürnberg (Implementation of an automated U-Bahn in Nuremberg).[6][7] Automated test running on line U3 began in January 2005.[4][1] On May 4, 2008, the first DT3 trains entered automatic revenue service on line U3.[6] Driverless operation was officially launched on June 14, 2008, two years later than anticipated.[8][9] Originally scheduled for 2006, the official launch of driverless operation had to be pushed back to 2008 due to technical difficulties[10] and mechanical problems, which resulted in the return of two prototype DT3 sets to the supplier Siemens.[11] Fully automatic trial runs on line U2 began on January 13, 2009, while the trains were already in automatic revenue service on line U3.[12]
A second batch of 14 DT3 trains was ordered in 2008.[13] These units, classified as DT3-F, feature a full control cab for manual operation, but also can be operated fully automatic.[13] First DT3-F units arrived in Nuremberg at the end of August 2010.[5] The DT3-F trains entered service in May 2011.[14] The "F" in the designation indicates the option of manual operation and means "Fahrer" (German for "driver").
