Prima is a family of railway diesel and electric locomotives built by Alstom. Manufacturing began in the late 1990s, and by 2008 Alstom had sold 1750 Prima locomotives. The second generation Prima II was launched in 2009.[1]
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On 20 May 2008 Alstom announced details of a second generation of Prima locomotives, named "Prima II".[2] The prototype was unveiled on 3 June 2009 at Alstom's Belfort plant.[1][3]
The locomotives are designed to be modular and reconfigurable to customers requirements throughout their lifetimes. Electric versions can work with up to four different overhead line voltages; 1.5 and 3kV DC, and 15 and 25kV AC, with power ratings of up to 6.4 MW[4], and operating speeds of 140 to 200 km/h.[1][3][5] The design also allows for broader gauge versions with Russia, China, and India as well as Finland being seen by Alstom as potential markets.[6] A diesel version is also planned in the long term.[6]
Compatibility with the ETRMS signalling system for European cross border operations is also a feature.[7]
Six axle freight CoCo versions are also proposed, with an increase in power output to 9.6MW and a top speed of 120 km/h[6][7]
The first order for the second generation Prima II came from Morocco's national railway ONCFM, with an order in November 2007 for twenty electric locomotives. These are due to be delivered in the second half of 2009 for entry into passenger and freight service in 2010.[2] The Morrocan locomotives are to be initially delivered for 3kV DC operation, with the potential to install a transformer and other electrical equipment for 25kV AC operation at a later date when Moroccan electrification upgrade schemes take place.[6]
