Russia’s Latest Train Design: A High-Tech Look Like a "Transformer"

By Everlyn

Recently in RussiaInnoprom 2014an industrial expo unveiled the latest train design. This new Russian train has a shiny black glass exterior and touch screens to operate the doors, and it’s called Russia One (R1). R1 was designed by Uralvagonzavod (UVZ), a Russian company that specializes in tank design.

% level forging pull Russia One (photo / taken fromuralvagonzavod)

With an appearance like a demonic tank, this train is highly high-tech in both exterior and interior design, featuring Wi-Fi, GPS, and LED displays that change according to the weather and time of day. However, despite its look as a massive, menacing evil train, it actually has a shell designed to be as crystal-like, reflecting everything around it and blending seamlessly into any background.

Each car’s interior seats can accommodate 28 people, with a total capacity of about 190 to 270 passengers. The seated passengers enjoy exceptional comfort, while standing passengers benefit from ample space.

% level forging pull Russia One, full of futuristic design flair (photo / taken fromuralvagonzavod)

But the devil is in the details. All handrails inside the cars are treated with antibacterial materials, and the aluminum foot pedals include built-in heating so that passengers stay warm even during harsh winters — this also helps prevent the train from icing up.

The forward-leaning nose also gives the driver a 30% wider field of view, aiming to reduce the chance of impact or other potential accidents.

For now, the R1 is a prototype designed with the future in mind. However, UVZ plans to officially put the Russia One into operation within Russia by 2015.