Union Pacific to pilot aerodynamic add-on for double-stack trains

Union Pacific Railroad has unveiled a production version of Arrowedge® and is piloting the employee-designed aerodynamic device, which is designed to reduce fuel and locomotive emissions on double-stack trains.

The Class I holds two U.S. patents for the Arrowedge, with additional U.S. and Canadian patents pending, UP officials said in a press release. The railroad — which has spent the past several years developing the device — expects to introduce Arrowedge into double-stack train service between Joliet, Ill., and Long Beach, Calif., later this month.

Positioned on top of the first container in a double-stack train, the 48-foot Arrowedge features a tapered body that allows air to more easily flow around the top frontmost containers.

"This reduces aerodynamic drag for more efficient transport," UP officials said. "In addition, drag reductions decrease the amount of locomotive power required to propel the train."

Arrowedge is an example of the railroad's efforts to pioneer technology for operational and sustainable gains that can enhance customer service and community stewardship, said Mike Iden, UP's general director of car and locomotive engineering.

"We are excited to see the results of this innovation in action and how it can springboard further research and development," he said.