Union Pacific and Wabtec signed a $1.2 billion agreement to modernize the railroad’s AC4400 locomotives. This agreement represents the largest locomotive modernization investment in rail industry history.
“We are committed to delivering the service we sold to our customers and one way we do that is having great American-made locomotives that can get the job done,” says Jim Vena, Union Pacific CEO. “These redesigned locomotives will be just like new, providing the improved fuel efficiency and enhanced reliability that we need to grow with our customers and to win new business.”
“Our continued partnership with Union Pacific reflects a steady, forward-looking investment that positions the railroad and its customers for continued success," says Rafael Santana, president and CEO of Wabtec. "By enhancing our proven locomotive platforms with advanced propulsion, controls and diagnostics, this program delivers substantial gains in performance, reliability and lifecycle value, allowing the railroad to unlock maximum efficiency and capability for its existing fleet."
Key takeaways:
· The upgraded fleet will help enhance the railroad’s operational efficiency, service reliability and network performance.
· Wabtec’s modernization program will extend each locomotive’s useful life, improve fleet standardization and equip Union Pacific to take advantage of next‑generation control and diagnostics technologies.
· The upgraded locomotives are expected to deliver over 5% reduction in fuel consumption, a 14% increase in tractive effort and an 80% improvement in reliability.
· The modernized locomotives will feature a suite of Wabtec hardware and digital innovations. Each unit will receive the FDL Advantage (FDLA) engine upgrade for enhanced fuel savings; LOCOTROL Expanded Architecture to support safe, efficient operation of longer trains; and the new Modular Control Architecture, which unlocks the next‑generation data, diagnostics and software capabilities.
