World-class research in Austria: Rail Tec Arsenal tests vehicles in all weathers

In Vienna, Rail Tec Arsenal (RTA) operates the world’s largest Climatic Wind Tunnel. From trains to helicopters: vehicles are tested here under extreme weather conditions, and the results are incorporated directly into global safety standards. 

The Rail Tec ArsenalRail Tec Arsenal () in Vienna is far more than just a test laboratory for companies in the mobilitymobility () sector. It is an internationally recognised centre of excellence that tests all kinds of vehicles under realistic climatic conditions. Temperatures ranging from minus 45 to plus 60 degrees Celsius, wind speeds of up to 300 km/h, snow, rain, fog and solar radiation can all be simulated at the touch of a button. What no other institute in the world offers in this combination has been a reality in Austria for over two decades. 

Founded in 1998, RTA has been operating its site in Vienna-Floridsdorf since 2001. Since the initial investment of 65 million euros, further investment has been made on an ongoing basis and the range of tests has been expanded. Annual turnover stands at 16 million euros, with all surpluses being reinvested. The facility’s operations are contractually secured until 2062, backed by a strong shareholder network comprising Siemens MobilitySiemens Mobility (), AlstomAlstom (), Hitachi RailHitachi Rail () and the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT)Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) (). 

Research that saves lives 

The work carried out by RTA has a direct impact on the safety of millions of passengers worldwide. Whether it is doors that open reliably despite ice and snow, consistent temperatures in train compartments regardless of the weather outside, or aircraft flying safely through icing clouds: the findings from the Vienna Climatic Wind Tunnel are evident in modern vehicles all over the world. “We are making essential contributions in all these areas,” says Hermann Ferschitz, Managing Director of Rail Tec Arsenal.

A particularly impressive example: RTA has succeeded in accelerating raindrops with a diameter of up to two millimetres in the Climatic Wind Tunnel without them bursting. NASA had been unable to solve this problem. The Viennese team achieved this breakthrough thanks to a chance, asymmetrical design of a section of the tunnel, which enabled gradual acceleration. 

International collaboration at the highest level 

RTA collaborates with leading companies and research organisations worldwide. Its clients include global corporations as well as renowned scientific institutions: 

• Companies: Siemens, Alstom, Stadler, ÖBB, Airbus, Safran, MAN, Volkswagen, … 

• Research: Vienna University of Technology, Dresden University of Technology, DLR (German Aerospace Centre), FH Joanneum, … 

• International Institutions: NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, USA 

The partnership with NASA is particularly noteworthy: RTA is one of only two Austrian companies to have signed an official cooperation agreement with the US space agency. The two organisations are conducting joint research into propeller icing. 

Aviation: From the Climatic Wind Tunnel to the world’s largest icing wind tunnel

Since 2014, RTA has been systematically expanding its expertise in the field of aviation. Using a mobile icing rig, the large Climatic Wind Tunnel can be converted into the world’s largest icing wind tunnel for aircraft. This enables realistic flights through icing clouds to be simulated on the ground – a service that is unique worldwide for certification tests in accordance with international aviation standards (EASA CS25).

Austria as a centre for cutting-edge research 

Rail Tec Arsenal is a prime example of Austria’s strengths as a centre for research: 

• highly qualified specialists 

• close links between industry and academia 

• long-term public-private partnerships 

• and a culture of innovation that is open to unexpected solutions. 

The facility in Vienna is not just a test laboratory, but a strategic location offering advantages for all companies wishing to test their vehicles and components under real-world conditions. 

For international companies seeking a reliable partner in Europe for climatic testing and applied research, Austria, through the RTA, offers an infrastructure that is unrivalled anywhere in the world.