VL11

The VL11 Russian: ВЛ11 is an electric mainline DC freight and passenger locomotive, built in Georgia, used in Russia and Ukraine. The initials VL are those of Vladimir Lenin (ru: Владимир Ленин), after whom the class is named.

Power typeElectric

Power typeElectric

BuilderTbilisi electric locomotive builder plant (Тбилисский электровозостроительный завод)

Build date1975-

Quick facts Type and origin, Power type ...

VL11 [1]
VL11M-227
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Tbilisi electric locomotive builder plant (Тбилисский электровозостроительный завод) Build date 1975- Total produced 1338
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′ Gauge 1,524 mm (5 ft) 1,520 mm (4 ft 11+27⁄32 in) Russian gauge Loco weight 184 t (181 long tons; 203 short tons) Electric system/s 3 kV DC Catenary Current pickup Pantograph
Performance figures Maximum speed 100 km/h (62 mph) Power output 4,600 kW (6,200 hp) Continuous, 5,360 kW (7,190 hp) Short Term
Career Operators РЖД (RZhD), УЗ (UZ), Georgian Railway Locale Russia Soviet Union Ukraine Georgia Azerbaijan

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The ВЛ11 are built in two-section units, but can be built with three or four sections working with multi-tier technology.^[2] The three-section units have 12 axles, regenerative brakes and can haul loads up to 59,250 kg. They have an output of 8,040 kW.^[3]

The Ukrainian State Railway Administration (Ukrzaliznytsia) has upgraded their VL11 locomotives; starting in 2012, they plan to upgrade 20 a year. The upgrade will extend the operating life of each locomotive by 15 years, and it represents only 28% of the cost of a new electric locomotive.^[4]