China Railways HXD2

CRRC Datong Electric Locomotive
Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Railway locomotive manufacturing
Founded	2004
Products	Electric locomotives (HXD2 series)
Parent	CRRC

The HXD2 () electric locomotive series was developed through a partnership between CRRC Datong Electric Locomotive and initially Alstom. This collaboration, which started with a 2004 agreement, is based on the Alstom Prima design and focuses on heavy freight tasks, particularly coal transportation along the Datong Qinhuangdao route (Daqin Railway).

The original HXD2 model consists of twin unit configurations arranged as Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′, whereas the China Railways HXD2B and China Railways HXD2C are single unit locomotives with a Co′Co′ wheel setup. Upon their debut, both the HXD2 and HXD2B ranked among the most powerful freight locomotives worldwide. The HXD2C variant offers lower power output but incorporates increased localization of components to reduce manufacturing expenses.

Initially labeled DJ4-6000, this locomotive series expanded its reach internationally when Belarus ordered a twin-unit variant (Belarusian Railway BCG-1) in 2010, followed by similar acquisitions by Shenhua Group in 2012.

In 2012, CNR Datong unveiled the fully localized HXD2-1000 series. By 2014, the company introduced another localized version called the HXD2F, featuring a power output of 9.6 MW, an axle load of 27 tonnes (extendable to 30 tonnes on specialized tracks), and a 2(Bo′Bo′) wheel configuration. Marketed under the name 超级大力士 (Super Strongman), this model highlights superior capabilities tailored for demanding heavy freight applications.

HXD2

The HXD2 series is engineered for hauling heavy freight trains weighing up to , with the capacity to operate in multiple-unit formations of up to three locomotives. These units are designed to function reliably in temperatures dropping as low as .

The standard axle load is set at , with an alternative option reducing it to at the cost of decreased starting tractive effort.

An order valued at (€350 million) for 180 units was placed in 2005; the first twelve were manufactured in France, twenty-four were delivered as kits for assembly, and the remainder produced domestically in China. These locomotives primarily serve coal transport duties along the Datong - Qinhuangdao railway corridor. The first unit assembled in China was completed on May 23, 2007. By 2010, their deployment expanded to coal transportation from Inner Mongolia.

Structurally, the locomotive features an integrated welded steel main beam combined with a floor and load-bearing side sills, corrugated metal side panels, and a detachable roof. The design accommodates tension forces up to and compression forces up to , while couplers are rated for loads reaching .

Operator cabins are configured for single-person operation and include climate control with heating and air conditioning, as well as amenities such as a refrigerator, cooking area, washing facilities, seating, and sleeping berths.

The traction system employs asynchronous AC motors connected to axles through nose-suspended drives. Welded steel bogies transfer tractive efforts via a low-mounted drawbar. Electrical components include ABB transformers with four windings per locomotive section. Traction inverters utilize Alstom’s ONIX IGBT technology, with each motor controlled by its own inverter/rectifier unit. Auxiliary power is supplied through IGBT converters drawing from the intermediate DC link. Control and diagnostic functions are managed by Alstom's AGATE electronic platform.

HXD2-1000

In August 2012, CNR Datong launched an updated version of its twin-section, eight-axle freight locomotive delivering 10 MW of power that incorporates domestically manufactured traction and control equipment; this model's first unit was designated HXD2-1001. The initial two locomotives featured corrugated side panels, while later production units adopted smooth-sided bodies.

HXD2-6000

Beginning in 2014, CNR Dalian delivered a batch of 40 HXD2 locomotives that closely mirrored the design of the HXD2-1000 series.

HXD2-7000

Starting in 2012, CNR Datong provided Shenhua Mining with 50 HXD2 units, which were largely based on the initial HXD2-1000 models but featured slight modifications to the cabin design.

HXD2F

In April 2014, CNR Datong launched two domestically developed twin-unit (Bo′Bo′)-(Bo′Bo′) locomotives, nicknamed 超级大力士 (Super Hercules). These units had axle loads ranging from 27 to 30 tonnes to enhance tractive power and offered a total output of 9.6 MW.

HXD2G

November 2015 saw CNR Datong introduce two indigenous twin-section (Bo′Bo′)-(Bo′Bo′) locomotives designed with an 18-tonne axle load for improved speed capabilities and a continuous power rating of 11.2 MW. Although engineered for a maximum velocity of 200 km/h, their initial operational speed was limited to 160 km/h.

Related orders

In October 2010, Belorusskaja Železnaja Doroga placed an order for 12 units of a variant based on the HXD2 two-section locomotive, designated as BCG-1.

In 2012, CNR Datong delivered to Shenhua Group two twin-section, eight-axle locomotives producing 9.6 MW and capable of reaching speeds up to 120 km/h. Equipped with Bombardier traction systems and derived from the 'Harmony' (HXD) series technology, this model was also named 超级大力士 (Super Strongman).

References