BVG Class A3
| BVG Class A3 | |
|---|---|
Class A3 train at Krumme Lanke station in June 1987 | |
| In service | 1960–present |
| Manufacturer | ABB Henschel AEG Orenstein & Koppel Siemens Waggon Union |
| Constructed | 1960–1994 |
| Entered service |
|
| Formation | Double units |
| Operators | Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe |
| Lines served | U1, U2, U3 & U4 |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Aluminium |
| Train length | 25.66 m (84 ft 2+1⁄4 in) (over anticlimbers) |
| Car length | 12.53 m (41 ft 1+5⁄16 in) |
| Width | 2.3 m (7 ft 6+9⁄16 in) |
| Height | 3.18 m (10 ft 5+3⁄16 in) |
| Doors | 12 side doors per unit (6 per side) |
| Maximum speed | 62 km/h (39 mph) |
| Weight | 32,000 kg (70,548 lb) 41,100 kg (90,610 lb) |
| Prime mover(s) | Electric motor |
| Electric system(s) | 750 V DC third rail |
| Current collector(s) | Contact shoe |
| Safety system(s) | Dead man's switch |
| Coupling system | Scharfenberg |
The BVG Class A3 is a type of Kleinprofil train that was built after World War II. The smallest operationally mobile unit is the double-rail car, which consists of a control car (S-car) with a straight carriage number and a compressor car (K-car) with an odd car number. Both vehicles are motorized and each is equipped with a cab, the term "control car" refers to the local facilities for electrical control. The K-wagon contains the compressed air system, the converter system and the lighting equipment. The numbering was carried out by car 999/998 backwards, which 999/998 is the oldest A3 unit. The K-car was reserved for non-smokers until the late 1970s, while the S-car was permitted to allow smoking.