Understanding the WAP-5 Locomotive: Performance, Features, and Impact

The WAP-5 locomotive, an integral part of the Indian Railways fleet, is a sophisticated electric passenger locomotive that embodies advanced engineering and innovation. This article delves into the details of the WAP-5, its history, performance, and contributions to the Indian railway system.

About WAP-5 Locomotive

The Wide Gauge AC Electric Passenger (WAP) is the full form of WAP-5, which serves as an engine for passenger trains. The number following WAP, such as 5, indicates its generation. Often, you might see locomotives labeled as WAP-5 or WAP-7, with the name of the place where the locomotive was built noted, such as Erode Mughalsarai.

WAP-5: An Overview

WAP-5 is a class of locomotives that represents a significant advancement in railway technology. The first 10 locomotives of this class were imported from ABB in Switzerland in 1995. They are designed as a variant of the Swiss Lok 2000 design concept and the German DB Class 120 mechanical chassis.

Performance Figures

The WAP-5 locomotive demonstrates exceptional performance, as evidenced by several key figures:

Maximum Speed:

Operational: 160 km/h (99 mph) Trials: 180 km/h (112 mph) Potential: 220 km/h (137 mph) Modified Gear Ratio: 200 km/h (124 mph)

Power Output:

WAP-5: 5440 hp (4057 kW) WAP-5H: Around 6125 hp (4567 kW)

Tractive Effort:

Starting: 258 kN (58,000 lbf)

A notable moment in the history of the WAP-5 was on July 3, 2014, when a WAP-5 locomotive set an Indian speed record. It hauled a train from Delhi to Agra within 90 minutes at a speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).

Modified Variants

To enhance performance and efficiency, WAP-5 locomotives have been modified over time. In October 2015, Chittaranjan Locomotive Works introduced a WAP-5 locomotive (No. 30086) with a gear ratio of 59:35:19, designed for speeds up to 200 km/h (120 mph). The control software was also updated accordingly.

Aerodynamic tweaks were another focus. For instance, locomotive No. 30164 received aerodynamic improvements to its cab profile. Additionally, head-on generation (HOG) technology was introduced. In June 2018, a WAP-5 locomotive (No. 30140) with HOG was rolled out, featuring the hotel load converter accommodated in the same cubicle as the traction converter. More locomotives of this type are expected to follow.

Further enhancements included upgrading WAP-5 locomotives to 6000 HP, model WAG-5H. In March 2018, Chittaranjan Locomotive Works rolled out WAP-5 locomotive No. 30136 with a power output of around 6000 hp (4500 kW). Modifications were made to the control software based on successful trials, leading to the decision to proliferate these modifications across all WAP-5 locomotives.

For more information on WAP-5 locomotives and their role in Indian railways, you can refer to Google.

Conclusion

The WAP-5 locomotive stands as a testament to the advancements in railway technology in India. Its performance, enhancements, and contributions to the rail network are significant and noteworthy, making it a vital component of the Indian railway system.

Thank you for your interest in learning more about WAP-5 locomotives.