The main tasks of the Company’s innovation in technology policy in 2011 will be the development of an innovation development programme and the implementation of the “Strategies for Innovative Development at Russian Railways up to 2015” (updated White Paper). The Company will defend its innovation development programme before the Russian government
The Company’s main innovative direction is developing new types of rolling stock, management systems for the transportation process and transport logistics. Russian Railways is also actively developing technology for managing resources and risks.
By the end of 2010, the Company had achieved substantial progress in cooperation with foreign leaders in railway engineering.
In October 2010, a model of the future Siemens train for Russia, the Desiro Rus “Lastochka” or Swallow was presented. Localisation of production in Russia is initially planned at 35%, rising to 80% by 2017. Russian Railways and Siemens have signed an agreement to establish an engineering centre to develop the train.
A contract was also signed with the joint venture Ural Locomotives, which was set up by Siemens and Group Sinara, to supply 221 freight electric locomotives with the 2ES10 series asynchronous traction drive. The 2ES10 series is the only one of its type on the 1520cm broad gauge system.
A contract was signed with Transmashholding and Alstom for the delivery of 200 EP20 dual system high-speed new generation passenger locomotives between 2012 and 2020. The new engines have a working life 2.5 times longer than previous engines.
It has been agreed to develop and manufacture freight AC electric engines with the 2ES5 asynchronous traction motor at the Novocherkassk Electric Locomotive Plant. A prototype locomotive is scheduled for April 2011.
Work is also underway with companies belonging to the Italian concern Finmeccanica to create and implement a comprehensive Russian-Italian management system and train safety for ITARUS-ATC trains.
Russian Railways is also working actively to introduce satellite technology. In accordance with targets set by the Russian government, more than 36% (almost 13,000 units) of Russian Railways’ rolling stock has already been equipped with GLONASS/GPS navigation equipment.
An integrated system of traffic control on the railway line Moscow – St. Petersburg route has been further developed. This is a pilot project to create a smart dispatch control system for automatic driving.
