An overview of Q2
The world of Lightweight Thinking at TDI is growing. Our focus for Q1 and Q2 has been on establishing product launch foundations and conducting core product engineering work. We are onboarding key new team members and suppliers. Additionally, we are starting to build our operational data systems to manage the product build.
All good product launches need robust product foundations. In June, we moved the Revolution VLR Demonstrator to Great Central Railway (GCR) for two weeks. There, we undertook a series of performance tests on the vehicle. This was an integral part of the engineering and launch readiness of the RVLR for Pre-Series trials.
Our 6 engineers extensively engaged in the testing, gathering a wide variety of performance data to validate key vehicle characteristics. It was very rewarding to be able to test the vehicle and confirm its full performance potential under a range of operational conditions, including fully laden.
Testing at GCR
The test programme ran smoothly, and we were hugely impressed with the professionalism and support provided by GCR staff during this period. As well as our engineers on site, we had representatives from Eversholt Rail with us at various points during the 2 weeks. We have been working in partnership with Eversholt Rail for over 5 years now, and together we make a formidable team.
There is a substantial amount of preparation work that is required to execute a safe and successful test plan. The testing programme for RVLR was put together and managed by Jamie Girven, Principal Test & Validation Engineer at TDI, who comments –
Our engineering team are now analysing the data gathered at GCR and the results will be used to inform future development work for RVLR.
The next steps for TDI
The RVLR Demonstrator vehicle is now back at Ironbridge, where we are continuing our engineering, electrical and software development.
Our engineering team is busy working on the RLVR Pre-Series development programme. This includes the battery propulsion and charging system that will support the three new electric Pre-Series vehicles for passenger trials in the UK.
In our future updates, we will cover how we are adopting Lightweight Thinking to build our operational systems in readiness for managing our new production facility.
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