Quantum Seating M100 Range Regional Seat

Working with ATD Quantum and their appointed CAE crash analysis partners, DCA created a radical new construction approach for Quantum Seating’s lightweight M100 metro-style train seat. Developed and manufactured in just seven months, the seat achieved a first-time pass of GMRT2100 Issue 5 crash testing at MIRA, and first entered service on an Eversholt 321 demonstrator train in 2013.

DCA established the seat’s overall size and proportions and defined a construction concept capable of meeting the static load and dynamic crash performance criteria demanded by the relevant British Standards. We collaborated closely with ATD Quantum’s CAE partners to refine the integrated structure and enhance its performance without adding unnecessary weight. DCA also developed the visual styling and cushion design, as well as the grab handle, seat shell and pedestal support, ensuring every component met comfort, safety and manufacturing requirements.

A key innovation was the structural superformed aluminium skin, which avoids the need for a separate structural framework and aesthetic seat shell. The result is a 30% weight saving over standard rail seating, with a complete pair of seats weighing only 26 kg. The aluminium skin profile provides strength during normal use while deforming in a controlled manner during a crash to absorb energy and reduce impact forces on the passenger seated behind.

The resulting design met ATD Quantum’s brief for a modern, lightweight seat exceeding the latest safety requirements and was shortlisted for the UK Rail Industry Awards for 2014 in the Passenger Safety category. The core structure and technology developed for this project now underpin two further Quantum Seating products: the M101 Standard Class and the M104 First Class seats.