A long tradition is set to continue

On 31 December 2002 the vehicle testing station on the Arsenal premises was closed down after more than 41 years of operation. At that time the newly erected climatic wind tunnel in Vienna/Floridsdorf had already been completed on schedule to continue the research and testing activities without interruption. It was clear from the beginning of the project that even the most cutting-edge facility would not be sufficient on its own and that the immediate start of testing activities in the new climatic wind tunnel would be inconceivable without experienced staff.

On 1 January 2003 the entire staff of the former vehicle testing station on the Arsenal premises started work at the new climatic wind tunnel in Vienna/Floridsdorf. It was this seamless transfer of executive staff, scientists, project managers and engineers that provided the new climatic wind tunnel with the personnel best suited for the operation of the facility, which is the largest of its kind in the world. In this way it was possible to retain four decades of expertise in thermal passenger comfort, along with the long-standing experience and routine in the performance of climatic tests and the profound know-how required for the operation of such a complex test facility.

Through the erection of the new Vienna Climatic Wind Tunnel and the transfer of Arsenal staff to the new facility, Vienna will retain its position as an international centre of excellence for the certification of rail vehicles and for the performance of functional tests under extreme climatic conditions. A long tradition is set to continue.