Neoplan Skyliner
| Neoplan Skyliner | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Neoplan Bus GmbH, subsidy of MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG |
| Production | 1964-present |
| Assembly | Plauen, Saxony, Germany |
| Designer | Konrad Auwärter |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Commercial vehicle |
| Body style | Double-deck multi-axle touring coach |
| Layout | Longitudinal rear-engine design |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 12.5 L MAN D2676 LOH R6 multi-valve CR turbodiesel |
| Transmission | 12-speed TipMatic ZF AS Tronic automated manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 5,550 and 1,300 mm (218.5 and 51.2 in) 6,900 and 1,300 mm (271.7 and 51.2 in) |
| Length | 12.44–13.79 m (40 ft 10 in–45 ft 3 in) |
| Width | 2.55 m (8 ft 4 in) |
| Height | 4.00 m (13 ft 1 in) |
| Kerb weight | 26,000 kg (57,320 lb) (GVWR) |
The Neoplan Skyliner is a double-deck multi-axle luxury touring coach built by German coach manufacturer Neoplan. It was introduced in 1964.
In 1964, the founder's second son, Konrad Auwärter, developed a double-deck design for a service bus as part of his dissertation. The 'Do-Bus' design had extremely low weight, and could carry over 100 passengers. It also featured a low-frame front axle with forward-mounted steering gear that permitted a low flat floor. The double-deck principle was applied to coach design, creating a revolutionary high-capacity comfortable vehicle for touring. This vehicle was known as the Skyliner, and created an image for the company that differentiated the Neoplan brand from its competitors, and created interest in its products across Europe.
A second manufacturing facility opened in Pilsting in 1973, and a third opening in Kumasi, Ghana in December 1974 to support a large order.
The double-deck Skyliner concept was taken to its ultimate conclusion in 1975, with the introduction of the Jumbocruiser, a double-deck articulated coach 18 metres (59 ft 1 in) long and 4 metres (13 ft 1 in) high. The Spaceliner, introduced in 1979 took the Cityliner concept of passenger floor level above the driver, and extended the actual floor above the cab. This kept the height of the vehicle lower than a double-decker, at 3.65 metres (12 ft 0 in), but still allowed installation of toilets, kitchens or sleep cabins below the passenger compartment.
SCRTD of Los Angeles, operated Neoplan Skyliners during the 1980s and early 1990s. Antelope Valley Transit Authority operated Skyliners on their Lancaster-Los Angeles route during the late 1990s early 2000s.
The Neoplan Skyliner also gained popularity in the United Kingdom. Stagecoach bought some Skyliners during the 1980s to facilitate its new coaching division developed during the company's early years. In 2004, it bought 25 more N122/3L Skyliners for its modern coaching divisions the Oxford Tube and Megabus.Trathens Travel Services of Plymouth also bought some Skyliners in 2005 for its National Express contracts. However, many of these were displaced following the accident with a National Express Skyliner (see below) - when some Plaxton Panthers were bought in 2007.
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