Russia has taken another important step toward expanding its domestically developed freight locomotive fleet. The “Ural Locomotives” plant, which is a subsidiary of the Sinara–Transport Machines holding, has been granted certification for its new 2ES11 “Orlets” AC electric locomotive. The certificate confirms that the locomotive complies with the requirements of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union, which paves the way for the series production of the new locomotive. According to Russian industry sources, an initial installation batch of 50 locomotives has been established.
The certification follows a lengthy testing and acceptance programme. The 2ES11 was accepted by a commission at the Ural Locomotives plant in Verkhnyaya Pyshma in June 2026, indicating that it complied with the technical specifications and railroad safety requirements. The commission included representatives of Russian Railways, research organisations and component suppliers. The locomotive had traveled over 5,000 kilometers during testing prior to its acceptance, attaining speeds of up to 120 km/h.
A Locomotive Designed Around Domestic Technology
The “Orlets” is an AC mainline freight locomotive that was developed by Ural Locomotives. It is equipped with a domestically produced asynchronous traction motor. This is a critical aspect of the project, as asynchronous traction motors can provide advantages in reliability, maintenance, and adhesion control compared with older traction technologies.
The locomotive was created as part of a broader effort by Sinara–Transport Machines to develop a new generation of Russian freight locomotives that use domestic components. The 2ES11 is designed to operate on railroad sections that are electrified with alternating current and adheres to the technological orientation established by the “Malachite” family of DC electric locomotives. Additionally, its development is consistent with Russia’s overarching initiative to revitalize its aging freight locomotive fleet.
The project’s importance is not limited to the replacement of individual locomotives. Russian railroads are currently confronted with the necessity of augmenting their freight capacity while simultaneously retiring a significant amount of antiquated equipment. In 2026–2030, approximately 26% of the fleet, or approximately 2,000 freight locomotives, may be retired, according to industry reports. A more powerful locomotive capable of transporting heavier trains could enhance network productivity without requiring additional locomotives for increased freight traffic.
Up to 9,000 Tons With a Booster Section
The “Orlets” have been expressly engineered for the transportation of heavy freight. The locomotive has the capacity to transport a train weighing up to 7,100 tons in its standard two-section configuration. The three-section configuration can accommodate trains weighing up to 9,000 tons with a booster section.
That represents a major increase compared with previous-generation locomotives. According to industry sources, the 2ES11 has a transporting capability that is approximately 42% greater than that of its predecessors. The locomotive is capable of a design speed of 120 km/h and a continuous traction-motor shaft capacity of at least 8,000 kW. It is reported to have a starting tractive effort of 734 kN and a mass of approximately 200 tons.
Such characteristics are particularly relevant to Russia’s Eastern Railway Polygon, including the Baikal–Amur Mainline and Trans-Siberian Railway. Increasing individual train weight can boost freight throughput and reduce the number of locomotives required for transporting cargo on these crucial coal, metal, container, and bulk product routes. The new locomotive program has been expressly associated with an increase in capacity on the BAM and Trans-Siberian routes, as reported by Russian media.
Roof-Mounted Cooling Creates More Internal Space
The cooling system for the traction equipment is one of the most noteworthy engineering solutions on the “Orlets.” A cooling system that is specifically designed for modular roof-mounted units has been developed by engineers.
The designers are able to free up valuable internal space within the locomotive body by relocating a portion of the refrigeration equipment to the roof. Additionally, the modular configuration can facilitate equipment maintenance and accessibility. This methodology is indicative of the 2ES11’s overarching design philosophy, which contemplated actual traction performance in addition to serviceability and lifecycle costs.
The locomotive uses a modular equipment arrangement and a whole-body structural construction. The lifecycle concept, as per industry reports, expects only one significant overhaul, which could potentially decrease the locomotive’s maintenance needs throughout its operational lifespan.
“Smart Locomotive” Brings Digital Control
Performance is only one part of the “Orlets” programme. The locomotive was designed using the concept of a “smart locomotive,” which involves the integration of digital systems to enhance the conditions of the crew and the operation of the train.
Controlling locomotives or train divisions that are connected from a single control point is one of the important capabilities. This is especially beneficial for large freight trains, as it may be necessary to use multiple locomotive sections to ensure adequate traction. The system enables each locomotive to operate as a coordinated traction unit, rather than regarding it as an independent machine.
Additionally, the control panel and driver’s cockpit have been engineered to facilitate operation by a single engineer. This is indicative of the increasing significance of automation, ergonomics, and digitalization in the railroad sector of Russia. The 2ES11 was expressly designed to satisfy the digitalization and working conditions requirements of the locomotive crews of Russian Railroads.
From Prototype to a 50-Locomotive Batch
In late 2025, the locomotive commenced acceptance and certification testing at the VNIIZhT experimental ring in Shcherbinka. Engineers evaluated the locomotive’s traction, energy performance, braking, thermal behavior, electromagnetic compatibility, fire protection, and personnel working conditions.
Ural Locomotives has successfully overcome a key regulatory obstacle by completing certification and establishing a 50-unit installation batch. Serial production was previously expected for 2027, necessitating the industrialization of a locomotive that was intended to integrate digital train-control capabilities, domestic asynchronous traction technology, and increased haulage capacity.
Nevertheless, the real evaluation will commence upon the introduction of the initial production “Orlets” into regular freight service. The 2ES11’s potential to transcend its status as a promising new design and establish itself as a key component of Russia’s next-generation heavy-haul locomotive fleet will be contingent upon its performance on demanding routes like the BAM and Trans-Siberian Railroad.