In late 2025, acceptance and certification tests started on the new 2ES11 “Orlets” mainline freight electric locomotive at the VNIIZhT experimental loop in Shcherbinka, near Moscow. The latest accomplishment by the Russian manufacturer Ural Locomotives, a subsidiary of Sinara–Transport Machines, aims to update and improve the freight locomotive fleet—considering increasing cargo volumes and the demand for improved energy efficiency.
The tests are scheduled to cover a distance of more than 5,000 kilometers, during which braking and traction energy performance will be evaluated, along with equipment heating and system reliability. Following the successful completion of these tests, the 2ES11 is expected to begin serial production and routine operation within the Russian Railways network.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the features of the 2ES11, the objectives of the testing program, and the locomotive’s importance for Russian rail transportation.
Technical Specifications of the 2ES11 “Orlets”
The main feature of the “Orlets” is the use of a completely domestically sourced component base. In particular, the locomotive is fitted with a Russian-manufactured asynchronous traction motor—an essential step toward import substitution and technological self-sufficiency.
The locomotive’s sustained power output is 8,000 kW, and with a maximum design speed of 120 km/h, it is well-equipped to reliably operate massive mainline freight trains. The locomotive has an approximate weight of 200 tons.
With these parameters, the 2ES11 is capable of hauling trains weighing up to 7,100 tons in a two-section configuration and up to 9,000 tons in a three-section configuration (including a supplemental section). This represents approximately a 42% increase in transportation capacity compared to the previous locomotive generation.
The chassis adopts a load-bearing monocoque construction. This solution improves the locomotive’s power, offers optimal protection for the train crew, and also decreases the overall machine weight while increasing durability.
Taken as a whole, the selection of an asynchronous drive, modern systems, modular design, and the shift to domestically manufactured components render the 2ES11 not just an ordinary locomotive but a technologically sophisticated model that satisfies current standards for efficiency and dependability.
Platform Concept and Ongoing Development
The 2ES11 “Orlets” is not a standalone experimental project; it constitutes a component of an innovative technological platform developed by Ural Locomotives. The first locomotives on this line were the 3ES8 “Malachite” direct-current variants. Building upon that experience, engineers modified the architecture for an alternating-current locomotive: integrating the operating gear, reconfiguring power circuits, and enhancing the arrangement of equipment.
This method offers multiple benefits. Initially, this method simplifies maintenance and restorations—standardized components reduce logistical expenses. Secondly, it expedites the advancement of novel models. For instance, utilizing the same platform, the production of the 2ES12 “Ametist” (a dual-system locomotive) is already scheduled.
Thus, the 2ES11 represents not just a new locomotive but a hallmark of modern industrial strategy, emphasizing modularity, digitalization, domestically developed technologies, and unification. All of these developments enhance the efficacy and competitiveness of Russia’s railway engineering industry.
Testing: Objectives and Significance
The certification and acceptance testing at the VNIIZhT loop is a normal but very important step in launching any new locomotive model. For the 2ES11 Orlets, the testing covers not only the validation of movement under load but also the comprehensive assessment of all systems: the traction drive, braking mechanisms, control systems, refrigeration, and equipment heating.
During the 5,000 km cycling test at speeds reaching 120 km/h, engineers will assess the stability and durability of all locomotive components. This enables them to pinpoint vulnerabilities, evaluate performance under standard operating conditions (such as heavy freight transportation), and verify equipment interactions during extended periods of use.
Cooling and ventilation systems are also undergoing testing, which is particularly crucial during prolonged periods of heavy load operation and under diverse climate conditions. According to the developers, due to innovative technical solutions, the 2ES11 is now suitable for rail sections with lower catenary voltage, providing it with an advantage over earlier models.
Reliability, energy efficiency, and safety are the main factors to be verified during testing. If the 2ES11 “Orlets” locomotive complies with its specified requirements, it will be authorized for extensive deployment throughout the Russian Railways network.
Significance for Russian Railway Transport
The introduction of the 2ES11 “Orlets” may represent an important turning point, given several prominent trends.
At first, freight volumes sustain in their growth, the demand to transport progressively heavier trains is increasing, and efficiency standards are becoming more stringent. The 2ES11 precisely fulfills all of these requirements.
Secondly, the national strategy of import substitution and the pursuit of technological independence emphasize that using domestically produced motors, components, and control systems reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, facilitates maintenance, and enhances supply chain stability.
Furthermore, the integrated platform—designed to support DC locomotives (3ES8), AC locomotives (2ES11), and upcoming dual-system variants (2ES12)—offers enhanced flexibility and scalability in manufacturing. This is of strategic significance for diversifying the locomotive fleet and responding promptly to operational requirements.
Finally, enhanced energy efficiency, decreased operational expenses, and improved performance attributes collectively contribute to lowering transportation costs, alleviating infrastructure pressure, and reinforcing the overall freight logistics framework.
Future Opportunities
Certification and acceptability testing are planned to be finalized in the second quarter of 2026. Subsequently, if the locomotive effectively completes all stages, the 2ES11 “Orlets” will proceed to serial production and commence replacing older locomotives that no longer satisfy modern requirements for power, efficiency, and dependability.
Additionally, the locomotive family is anticipated to grow: the 2ES12 “Ametist,” a dual-system locomotive capable of operating on various electrical networks and designed for velocities up to 140 km/h, is scheduled for future manufacturing. This demonstrates that the “Orlets” is not a standalone initiative but serves as a foundational model for a comprehensive, long-term development program designed to address a broad spectrum of transportation requirements.
If the 2ES11 operates as anticipated and commences regular service, it has the potential to markedly enhance freight transportation efficiency, alleviate infrastructure pressure, and decrease total operating expenses.
Final Remarks
The start of testing for the new 2ES11 “Orlets” mainline freight electric locomotive signifies a significant milestone in the modernization of Russia’s locomotive fleet. Its technical features—including a domestic asynchronous motor, high power output, hauling capacity of up to 9,000 tons, modular construction, and enhanced energy efficiency—render it a highly promising and pertinent model.
If testing verifies the declared performance, the 2ES11 will supersede older locomotives, establish the basis for a new technological platform, and facilitate the development of a new generation of mainline electric locomotives that are versatile, dependable, and cost-effective. For the railway sector, this signifies a significant advancement in modernization, domestic production, and the enhancement of freight efficiency.
