Russian railway engineering succeeded in a major development in early March 2026 with the certification of a new traction synchronous unit that was specifically designed for the country’s next-generation mainline diesel locomotive, the TE26. The unit, which is designated AT2S-2800/650, is expected to start serial production in April 2026 and will serve as a critical component of the new locomotive platform’s power system. The Bryansk Machine-Building Plant, one of Russia’s major manufacturers of railway equipment, is currently organizing the production of the TE26 locomotive.
The successful certification is the result of years of engineering work by specialists from Transmashholding and associated enterprises. It is expected that the new unit will be instrumental toward improving the operational flexibility, reliability, and efficiency of Russia’s future diesel locomotive fleet.
A New Era of Traction Power Systems
Modern locomotive power generation is exemplified by the AT2S-2800/650. This unit integrates both traction and auxiliary synchronous generators into a single container, in contrast to traditional systems that allow for the installation of multiple generators separately.
The locomotive’s traction motors are supplied with electricity by the traction generator, which generates 2,800 kilowatts of power. The locomotive’s pulling capability and overall performance are ultimately determined by the motors that operate its wheels. The auxiliary generator, which has a capacity of 650 kilowatts, supplies electrical power for onboard systems and other operational requirements.
Engineers have improved the effectiveness of the power transmission system and simplified the mechanical design by integrating these two systems into a unified unit. In comparison to older generator arrangements, the integrated configuration also streamlines maintenance procedures, enhances reliability, and reduces weight.
The unit executes numerous critical functions during operation. The diesel engine operates in electric motor mode during the initial phase to facilitate engine rotation. The агрегат transitions to generator mode upon the engine reaching operating speed, thereby converting mechanical energy from the diesel engine into electrical power.
This electricity is then put to use to power the locomotive’s traction motors and a variety of auxiliary systems that are essential for its operation.
Integration with the 18-9DGM-02 diesel generator
The AT2S-2800/650’s integration into the 18-9DGM-02 diesel generator system, which is manufactured at the Kolomna Plant, is a critical component. The main power unit of the TE26 locomotive is this diesel engine, which generates approximately 2,850 kilowatts of mechanical power.
The locomotive’s engine architecture is essentially composed of the combined system. The coupling system transfers the mechanical power generated by the diesel engine to the traction generator. The generator subsequently transforms the mechanical energy into electrical power, which is then transmitted to the traction motors via a system of rectifiers and power electronics.
AC-DC electric transmission is the term used to describe this particular propulsion configuration. It integrates the reliability of direct-current traction motors with the efficacy of contemporary synchronous generators.
This configuration has been widely used in large locomotives due to its exceptional traction control, consistent performance under fluctuating loads, and high reliability in challenging operating environments.
Three years of development and testing
Approximately three years were required to complete the development and certification procedure for the AT2S-2800/650 antenna. The system was designed and refined by engineers at Transmashholding’s Novocherkassk facilities.
During this time, many prototype units were manufactured and subjected to rigorous testing. To confirm conformity to railway safety and performance standards, the testing program comprised preliminary testing, acceptance testing, and comprehensive certification testing.
The unit was also subjected to real-world testing as a component of two prototype TE26 locomotives. The performance of all onboard systems, including traction equipment, power electronics, cooling systems, and control software, was assessed through a succession of operational trials that were conducted on these locomotives.
Before new railway equipment can be certified for mass production and operational service, it is essential to conduct such comprehensive testing.
The tests’ results verified that the unit satisfies all necessary parameters, such as power output, efficiency, vibration tolerance, and reliability under high load conditions.
Serial production is expected to officially begin in April 2026, following the completion of certification.
Launching Production at the Bryansk Machine-Building Plant
The Bryansk Machine-Building Plant (BMZ), one of the biggest enterprises in Russia’s railway manufacturing sector, is currently preparing the TE26 locomotive for serial production.
BMZ has a wealth of experience in the production of locomotives for both domestic and international markets. The 2TE25KM freight locomotives, which are extensively used, were among the numerous locomotives from the TE25 family that were previously manufactured at the facility.
The TE26 project is the following phase in the development of this locomotive family.
The TE26 will be a single-section mainline locomotive that can operate both freight and passenger trains, as per the development concept. The locomotive’s dual-purpose capability renders it especially beneficial on railway lines with moderate traffic volumes, where the deployment of larger multi-section locomotives would be impractical.
The locomotive’s mechanical chassis is integrated with the 2TE25KM locomotive’s design, which streamlines production and minimizes development expenses.
Technical Specifications of the TE26 Locomotive
The TE26 is a modern six-axle diesel locomotive that is capable of operating throughout Russia’s extensive railway network.
Its relatively high design pace is one of its most striking features. The locomotive is capable of operating at rates of up to 160 kilometers per hour, which allows it to efficiently transport both freight and passenger trains.
The traction motors are powered by an AC-DC electric transmission system, and the locomotive has a total length of approximately 21.8 meters.
Its universal design is another critical attribute. The locomotive is capable of operating in either direction without the need of turning at terminal stations, as it features two driver’s cabins, one at each end.
This configuration greatly improves operational flexibility and reduces the necessity for specialized railway infrastructure.
The TE26 is also capable of operating in a multiple-unit configuration, which enables the simultaneous control of multiple locomotives from a single cockpit. The locomotive is capable of transporting trains carrying up to 7,100 tons in this configuration, subject to the conditions of the track and the gradients.
Replacing the Legendary M62 Locomotives
The TE26 program’s main goal is to replace the aged fleet of Soviet-era locomotives, including the M62, 2M62, and 3M62.
These locomotives were initially manufactured at the Lugansk Diesel Locomotive Works and were extensively employed in the Soviet Union and other nations.
Many of these locomotives are still in operation today; however, the majority were built decades ago and are now nearing the end of their service lifetimes.
Spare parts have become increasingly challenging to acquire, and maintenance expenses have constantly escalated. Furthermore, locomotives that are old in design tend to release more pollutants and have a lower fuel efficiency than their more recent counterparts.
The TE26 is designed to overcome these obstacles by offering a modern replacement that integrates advanced digital control systems, enhanced energy efficiency, and advanced engineering solutions.
A Locomotive Engineered for Extended Service Life
The locomotive TE26 is identified by its extensive expected duty life. Engineers expect that the locomotive will continue to operate for a minimum of 40 years.
The use of sophisticated materials and modular construction techniques enables this prolonged lifespan. The locomotive’s lifecycle is meant to facilitate the replacement or upgrade of critical components, including the propulsion motor, control systems, and diesel generator.
Operators can modernize individual systems without replacing the entire locomotive through this method.
The TE26 is also equipped with contemporary diagnostic systems that are capable of continuously monitoring the condition of critical components. These systems assist railway operators in the early detection of prospective issues and the scheduling of maintenance prior to the occurrence of failures.
Testing Program and Prototype Locomotives
In 2025, the first two TE26 locomotives were manufactured. These prototype engines were used to execute a comprehensive array of tests that covered all significant systems and components.
The testing program comprised operational demonstrations, electrical system evaluations, and mechanical performance tests conducted under a variety of load conditions.
The efficacy of the new traction actuator and its integration with the diesel engine and traction motors was given particular consideration.
The locomotives were also subjected to endurance experiments that were intended to replicate long-term operation under challenging conditions.
This testing is crucial for ensuring that the locomotive can operate routinely across Russia’s extensive railway network, which covers extreme climates such as Arctic cold and desert heat.
Enhancing the Technological Foundation of Russia’s Railway Sector
The AT2S-2800/650 агрегат and the TE26 locomotive are indicative of a more extensive initiative by Russia’s railway industry to enhance its technological capabilities.
In recent years, Russian manufacturers have prioritized the substitution of imported components with domestically produced alternatives.
This strategy has been accelerated as a result of the increased difficulty in relying on foreign technology due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
Consequently, current locomotive projects, such as the TE26, prioritize the adoption of engines, generators, electronics, and control systems that are designed in Russia.
The TE26 locomotive is composed of over ninety percent components that are manufactured in Russia, as per the developers.
This localization not only promotes domestic industrial development but also improves technological independence.
The Future of the TE26 Program
The TE26 locomotive program is entering a new phase with the completion of the AT2S-2800/650 агрегат certification.
In April 2026, serial production of the unit will start, and locomotive production will be gradually expanded at the Bryansk Machine-Building Plant.
If the program proceeds as intended, the TE26 has the potential to become one of the most frequently used locomotives on Russia’s railway network in the future decades.
The project’s objective is to equip Russia’s railways with a dependable and efficient locomotive that can satisfy the nation’s transportation requirements for the foreseeable future by integrating modern engineering solutions with domestically produced technology.
The technological foundation for a new generation of Russian diesel locomotives is established by the successful development of the new traction агрегат, which is a significant step toward that objective.