France's new TGV train will be a double-decker which can travel at speeds in excess of 300 km/hr. SNCF, the country's national railway group, is combining innovation in new train designs with innovation in materials. Testing has commenced on prototype trains which are almost all-composites. Because of the loading levels on tracks, as much weight as possible has to be removed from a construction which would otherwise be very heavy. An aluminium train has already been constructed by SNCF and this is scheduled for launch in mid-1996. SNCF believes it will be able to save two tonnes on each carriage by using an aluminium design. This will enable more passengers per carriage and a higher train speed.

ACX Industries (Brest, France), a composite specialist, is working with SNCF. Prototype trains will use composite throughout the structure, including deck and carriages. ACX says the main load-bearing materials will be based on aluminium/Nomex honeycomb, and glass and carbon fibre epoxy. Ultimately the commercial viability of the composite trains will depend on cost. The mass-transit industry is potentially a very large market for composites.