A design for a carriage bogie that can withstand the weight of a tank has been developed in Poznań

A wagon bogie capable of carrying oversized loads has been designed by engineers from the Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology. It is a response to market needs that have been reported for several years, both in the defence industry and the civil sector, for the safe transport of exceptionally heavy equipment by rail. The project is ready for implementation and will enable the transport of, among other things, tanks, combat vehicles, energy storage units and large industrial machinery.

The transport of oversized loads by rail has been a challenge for years, especially for industries that need to transport heavy equipment. Since 2023, Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology has been working on a three-axle bogie that can be used in any freight wagon, including military transport. The project, financed by a state subsidy, has resulted in the development of a solution ready for commercialisation, primarily by Polish rolling stock manufacturers.

 

How to transport Abrams tanks weighing over 60 tons?

Bogies, i.e., running gear on which wagon bodies, locomotives, or platforms are mounted, typically consist of two wheel sets. The maximum load per wheel set in Poland is currently 22.5 tons.

Researchers from the Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology have constructed a special bogie consisting of three axles. When used in a dedicated wagon, it will allow the transport of any tank at NATO’s disposal.

“Railways play a leading role in the transport of military equipment because they are best suited to carrying very heavy and large loads. The current geopolitical situation forces us to prepare for such transports,” explains Tomasz Antkowiak from the Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology, who constructed the bogie together with his team.

Designed by researchers in Poznań, the bogie has a lightweight but durable construction. Its advantages include simple design and full readiness for implementation. The Institute is currently looking for business partners from both the defense and civilian sectors.

 

A solution not only for the military

The 37TN bogie is also suitable for civilian transport, i.e., wherever oversized loads need to be transported. With the right wagon design and the use of the 37TN bogie, it will be possible to transport special machinery, long loads such as rails, logs, or energy storage units.

“Currently, no Polish manufacturer produces six-axle wagons, let alone three-axle bogies. Poland lacks wagons that can transport really heavy goods. The advantage of our bogie is that it is not exclusively for military use, but can also be used in civilian transport. Polish industry will benefit from it, as it will be able to compete with Western manufacturers,” adds Tomasz Antkowiak.

The designed 37TN bogie can reach a maximum speed of 100 km/h (120 km/h when empty). It meets the requirements of the latest Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI wagons). The developed design and maintenance documentation allows for immediate production to begin.

 

Download media information: Bogie for railway wagons – media information