McLaren Applied, which is a major player in the Formula 1 motorsport industry, has won a contract to provide 5G onboard connectivity for Network Rail‘s infrastructure monitoring trains.

The contract, which comes with a five-year service contract, will see the company’s patented F1-derived Fleet Connect software installed on its first-of-its-kind Active Antenna hardware. The software is already in service with transport fleets around the world, where it provides seamless high-speed passenger WiFi connections and operator uplinks.

To reduce blackspots and provide a consistent data stream for any moving vehicle in any environment, the software splits the data across different networks in real-time, then reassembles it in the cloud on the way to its destination.

This will be the first time that Active Antenna technology has been implemented in the UK, and provides a new, simplified approach to on-train connectivity infrastructure. Embedded within the antenna are industry-leading Huber+Suhner components, an edge compute module, modem, and eSIM capability, whilst a single ethernet connection replaces all RF cables and routers.

The combination of Fleet Connect software and Active Antenna hardware means trains will maintain continuous connectivity through the various network providers, formats and strengths throughout the country. It also results in a lighter, faster, and more economical solution than any alternative currently available. By saving space and weight, McLaren Applied can both improve connectivity and environmental performance, while easing the transition to 5G.

Network Rail is responsible for 30,000 bridges, tunnels, and viaducts, as well as numerous signals, level crossings, and stations across 20,000 miles of track. Being able to quickly and reliably transmit live data streams, including camera feeds and sensor readings for the track, foliage, and network monitoring, will allow the company to confidently and quickly reach decisions on engineering and maintenance.

Speaking on the signing of the contract, Samir Maha, Chief Operating Officer at McLaren Applied added: “The innovative solution proposed by McLaren Applied to secure this contract is the perfect illustration of how our work at the cutting-edge of motorsport can directly translate into game-changing solutions for transport.

“By uniting our Formula 1-derived Fleet Connect software and Active Antenna hardware, we have created a turnkey product that is much greater than the sum of its parts. We look forward to working with Network Rail to deliver fast, reliable connectivity for its hard-working fleet across Great Britain.”

Jason Saxon, director Asset Information, Network Rail said: “Gathering accurate data, in a timely manner across the whole network, is extremely important for the safe and smooth operation of the railway. Having a system that enables us to transmit critical asset condition data from our infrastructure monitoring fleet will enable us to continue to put passengers and freight first with a safe and reliable railway that they can rely on.”