Power type Electric Build date 1983–89 | Builder Škoda Works Total produced 82 | |
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Gauge 1,524 mm (5 ft)
1,520 mm (4 ft 11 ⁄32 in) Russian gauge Length 33,740 mm (110 ft 8 in) | ||
The ChS8 (Russian: ЧС8) is an electric mainline AC passenger locomotive used in Russia and Ukraine.
The 8 axle locomotive was developed for pulling long passenger trains (28–32 carriages) at speeds around of 100 km/h or faster. In 1983 the first two experimental locomotives were constructed and delivered to Kiev for tests and adjustment. In 1987 30 locomotives were built as a mass model. In 1989 last 50 locomotives were built.
As the most powerful AC passenger locomotive in USSR designed for long trains, ChS8 experienced a low demand when after the disintegration of USSR passenger turnover in both Russia and Ukraine fell significantly. After 2010 Russian railways turned to more energy-effective EP10 and EP20 as powerful locomotives for fast or long passenger trains.