Kraków 2025-08-23 

NEWAG Dragon E6ACTd-103 electric locomotive.

The Newag Dragon is a family of six-axle electric locomotives designed to pull heavy freight trains weighing up to 4,500 tons. Dragon, or “Smok,” is the popular trade name for this locomotive. Dragon represents a new standard among freight locomotives, particularly suited to Polish conditions. The E6ACT Dragon locomotive is also designated ET25 by PKP and ET43 by PKP Cargo, and is the first new Polish freight locomotive after the ET22, whose production ended in 1989. Dragon is characterized by high tractive effort of up to 374 kN, operational safety, attractive pricing, economical operation, extensive equipment, and reliability.

The first Dragon locomotive was built in 2009 at ZNLE Gliwice. The Electric Locomotive Repair Plant was built in cooperation with NEWAG, based in Nowy Sącz. From 2009 to 2016, the Newag Dragon locomotive was manufactured by NEWAG Gliwice, and from 2017 by Newag Nowy Sącz. By 2021, a total of over 50 locomotives in numerous versions had been produced, all of which are operated by Polish freight carriers.

Development of the Dragon design.

The basic locomotive in Poland was the ET22, of which 1,207 were built by PaFaWag in Wrocław until 1989. Then, until 1997, EP09 passenger electric locomotives were built there. Polish-Italian universal dual-mode EU43 and single-mode EU11 electric locomotives were also produced. Production continued until 2002, when the PaFaWag plant was closed and Adtranz replaced it. However, these electric locomotives did not enter Polish service because they were too expensive. In 2002, the Adtranz-PaFaWag factory was taken over by Bombardier, which decided against producing complete electric locomotives at the Wrocław plant. As a result, since 2002, there has been no electric locomotive manufacturer in Poland.

This situation was unacceptable to Poland. In 2006, the Ministry of Science and several research and development institutions decided to develop a new Polish electric locomotive for heavy freight trains. At the same time, it was intended to be capable of operating on more worn tracks, so the locomotive was designed with a Co-Co-axle configuration. New traction motors were also designed. The first locomotive is powered by six STX500-4A electric motors (manufactured by EMIT) with a power output of 834 kW each. Subsequent units use ABB AMXL450 motors with a power output of 837 kW.

In 2009, the E6ACT-001 Dragon prototype was presented at the Trako railway fair in Gdańsk. It was the first Polish locomotive since 1990, when the EM10 (HCP 405E) locomotive premiered. In 2010, tests of the Dragon locomotive began on a test track near Żmigród in Lower Silesia. In 2010, the locomotive was presented at the InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin. The locomotive received approval for rail traffic in Poland. By 2011, transport companies such as STK, PKP Cargo, Pol-Miedź Trans, Lotos Kolej, and Freightliner were already interested in the locomotive.

The success of the Dragon locomotive, coupled with changes in regulations, led to the development of the Dragon 2 version in 2018. The first locomotive of this version was designated E6ACTa-001. The locomotive successfully passed tests and received a certificate. Dragon 2 is the first Polish locomotive equipped with SiC (silicon carbide) power electronics, meaning it is equipped with an auxiliary power converter called PSM-175 SiC, developed and manufactured by Medcom. The reason for designing the new version of Dragon 2 was the change in TSI regulations.

The Dragon locomotive’s modular design allows for a design tailored to the user’s needs, reducing repair and maintenance time. Standard tractive effort is 374 kN, but modern technologies can increase this to 450 kN (MAX LOAD option). The locomotive can be built for customers using 25 kV/15 kV AC electric traction. The locomotive can be retrofitted with an additional diesel drive (DUAL POWER option), allowing it to be operated on non-electrified sidings. The locomotive’s design focuses on driver safety and comfort. The driver’s cabs feature a crumple zone and a closed cage layout. The cage-type driver’s cab is equipped with a touchscreen panel. Instead of rearview mirrors, four cameras are used, and their images are displayed on a monitor. Two additional cameras provide a view of the locomotive’s couplers. The locomotive offers the option of installing a closed-loop toilet. It features an extensive electronic diagnostic system. The engine compartment is modular, simplifying repairs and reducing maintenance time. In its basic version, the locomotive weighs 119,000 kg. It features a modern anti-slip system. With six axles, the axle load does not exceed 20,000 kg. The locomotive has a wheel flange lubrication system, which increases the service life of the wheelsets and rails, especially in tight curves, and performs very well in Polish conditions.

The Dragon electric locomotive is powered by asynchronous motors powered by IGBT converters. The wheel diameter is 1.25 m. Initially, STX500-4A motors with an output of 834 kW each were used, followed by ABB AMXL450 motors. Disc brakes were installed. Each axle is mounted in tapered roller bearings. Each axle has a temperature and speed sensor. 

Currently (2021) Dragon locomotives are offered in the following versions:

Dragon DC: DC supply voltage 3 kV. Continuous power 5 MW. Maximum speed 120 – 140 km/h. With a train weighing 3,200 tons, the speed is 115 km/h. Starting tractive effort 374 kN, 450 kN with the MaxLoad option. Locomotive length over buffers 20.33 m. Width 3.00 m. Height 4.32 m.

Dragon AC: AC supply voltage 15 kV 16 2/3 Hz, AC 25 kV 50 Hz. Continuous power 5 MW. Maximum speed 120 km/h. Starting tractive effort 374 kN, 450 kN with the MaxLoad option. Locomotive length over buffers: 20.33 m. Width: 3.00 m. Height: 4.32 m.

Dragon MS: DC 3 kV, AC 15 kV 16 2/3 Hz, AC 25 kV 50 Hz. Continuous power: 5 MW. Maximum speed: 120 km/h. Starting tractive effort: 374 kN, 450 kN with the MaxLoad option. Locomotive length over buffers: 20.33 m. Width: 3.00 m. Height: 4.32 m.

Dragon DIESEL: Diesel engine. Continuous power: 2.3 MW. Maximum speed: 120 km/h. Starting tractive effort: 370 kN. Locomotive length over buffers: 20.33 m. Width: 3.00 m. Height: 4.32 m.

Freightliner. 

Freightliner PL is a private rail carrier operating in Poland since 2007, as part of the global Freightliner Group, owned by Genesee & Wyoming Inc., whose majority shareholder is Brookfield. From the outset, the company was the first carrier in Poland to begin operations with brand new rolling stock: JT42CWR (Class 66) diesel locomotives, compatible with Polish and German safety systems. Freightliner PL provides freight transport services on domestic and international routes, including the transport of aggregates, coal, grain, steel, containers, and intermodal trailers. In 2025, the company became a Partner of the INTERMODAL IN POLAND 2025 Congress, the largest combined transport event in the country. The company operates Class 66 diesel locomotives, as well as NEWAG E6ACTd “Dragon” diesel-electric locomotives. The company set a record in rail transport: a freight train weighing 4,880 tons, pulled by a single locomotive. Standard trains weigh up to 2,655 tons. In 2024, the fourth Class 66 locomotive was delivered to Poland from Great Britain via the ports of Immingham and Cuxhaven, and then Polonized, meaning adapted to Polish standards. The company operates approximately 45 locomotives in Poland. In 2023, Freightliner PL achieved revenues of nearly €100 million. The company employs approximately 350 people. The company is headquartered in Warsaw, at 11 Polna Street.

Dragon E6ACTd-103 Electric Locomotive.

The type designation E6ACTab / E6ACTAd denotes: E – electric locomotive, 6 – six-axle, AC – with alternating current motors, T – for freight transport, a – second generation, TSI-compliant, d – with a diesel access module, b – ETCS system based on baseline 3.4.0.

The Dragon E6ACTd-103, EVN: 91 51 3 170 003-0 (PL-FPL), was built in May 2016 for Freightliner PL. The locomotive has a green, gold, and gray livery typical of the carrier. The locomotive is multi-system and has an additional diesel engine. In September 2024, the locomotive underwent a level P4 overhaul.

Co-Co-axle arrangement (six traction axles in two bogies). Supply voltage 3 kV DC. Continuous electrical power approximately 5 MW (approximately 5,004 kW). Last-mile module, diesel engine with an output of approximately 520 kW. Maximum speed 120 km/h (operationally limited to 140 km/h. Locomotive weight 120,000 kg. Wheel diameter 1.250 m. Length 20.25 m. Tractive effort 375-450 kN. ABB AMXL450 traction motors, with an output of 6 x 837 kW.

Written by Karol Placha Hetman