The Ministry of Railways of the People's Republic of China (MOR) ordered 500 locomotives in February 2007 for €1.1 billion (US$1.4 billion) from Dalian Locomotives and Bombardier Transportation, with Bombardier's share amounting to €370 million (US$480 million).[3] The first unit, HXD3B0001 was delivered on 29 December 2008 in Dalian, the entire order of 500 machines will be delivered by the end of 2011.[4]
Technical details
The HXD3B is based on the Bombardier-produced MTABIore twin-section locomotives,[4][5] but is a single-section locomotive with cabs at both ends.[5] The electronics were updated, with traction converters based on IGCT technology, and an updated version of the MITRAC control electronics developed by Bombardier's Switzerland branch.[4] With increased power and a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph), the locomotives were designed for general freight rather than specialised heavy-haul service.[5]
The electronics and traction equipment of the first 150 units were supplied by Bombardier from Europe,[4] production for the rest is shared between Bombardier's Chinese subsidiary and Dalian.[3][5] The design of the mechanical components was subject to technology transfer from Bombardier to Dalian.[5]