Objectives

Ambition and Links

The main purpose of this project is to validate the FRMCS V2 Specifications and V3 target requirements, with precommercial FRMCS system components in realistic operational conditions.

This is done to ensure  the beginning of the migration to FRMCS across the European railway system.

The objectives and ambition of the FP2-MORANE-2 project include:

  • Providing a future proof FRMCS architecture with the necessary telecommunication elements, based on UIC
  • Testing the necessary functions of the FRMCS V2 set of specifications
  • Validating and returning on experience – this includes confirming / correcting / amending / evolving FRMCS V2 specifications, and communicating these elements to the UIC FRMCS Program for the closing of the FRMCS V3 set of test activities.

The general aim is also to create a highly mature product ecosystem for FRMCS. This is an ambitious goal only made possible by the progress of the FRMCS specification stream, which is also related to breakthroughs from the Horizon 5G-RAIL project at the end of 2023.

Context

The FP2-Morane2 Project is vital in setting standards for future European railway radio-based communication.

The project was designed and developed with the following context in mind:

  • The multi-competence of the consortium members, with all required knowledge and experience regarding GSM-R and FRMCS being strongly represented, and highly familiar with the relevant product, services or railway operations.
  • The alignment with a clear and known railway sector strategy, validated by the sector in the frame of the EURail System Pillar in 2023, which also conforms with the EU-Rail 2024 Work Program.
  • Various European railway stakeholders (EC, EU-Rail, representative bodies, technical bodies, etc.) are completely aware of the FRMCS global initiative, and there is a universal support of this initiative.
  • The existence of a clear technology framework on which the activities will be based, the FRMCS V2 set of specifications, which is currently processed through the EECT stream managed by the ERA and will serve as an input to the project.
  • The business motivation from all project partners of getting an implementable version of FRMCS, which is a clear obligation in the near future for the European railways, and as GSM-R activities are now declining and entered into maintenance mode several years ago.
Impact

The general impact expected from the project is the validation of the first market-ready version of FRMCS set of specifications, which will be part of the regulation with its foreseen inclusion in the European CCS Technical Standards for Interoperability.

The emergence of a multi-vendor ecosystem of FRMCS solutions, will lead to future innovative and a competitive market for the various FRMCS range of products.