British Rail Class 70 (diesel)

British Rail Class 70
Freightliner 70017 working a container train out of the Port of Felixstowe in June 2012
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder General Electric Model PH37ACmi Build date 2008–2017 Total produced 37
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte Co-Co  • UIC Co'Co' Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Wheel diameter 1,067 mm (42.0 in) Length 21.710 m (71 ft 2.7 in) Width 2.642 m (8 ft 8.0 in) Height 3.917 m (12 ft 10.2 in) Loco weight 129 t (127 long tons; 142 short tons) (empty) Fuel capacity 6,000 l (1,300 imp gal; 1,600 US gal) Prime mover GE PowerHaul P616 Alternator GE GTA series Traction motors GE 5GEB30 axle hung
Performance figures Maximum speed 120 km/h (75 mph) Power output Engine: 2,750 kW (3,690 bhp) Tractive effort 534 kN (120,000 lbf) (starting)
Career Operators Freightliner Colas Rail Numbers 70001-70020 70801-70817

The Class 70 is a six axle Co-Co mainline freight GE PowerHaul locomotive series manufactured by General Electric in Erie, Pennsylvania. The orders in 2007 for 20 units, with an option for a further 10, for Freightliner for operations in the United Kingdom were the first orders for the PowerHaul type; General Electric's product code for the class of loco is PH37ACmi.

In November 2007, Freightliner UK announced Project Genesis (unrelated to GE's Genesis series built for Amtrak), a procurement plan for 30 freight locomotives from General Electric. The locomotives ordered were intended to match older types in terms of haulage capacity whilst at the same time being more fuel-efficient. The project was a collaborative effort between Freightliner and GE, with input from drivers on the cab design. The locomotives utilize a GE PowerHaul P616 diesel engine rated at 2,750 kW (3,690 hp). the locomotive meets EU Tier IIIa emission regulations. Freightliner expects that the locomotive's efficiency is 7% better than contemporary models, with a further 3% increase in efficiency whilst braking; regenerative braking is used to supply the energy to power auxiliary motors.

It was speculated that these locomotives would receive the TOPS classification Class 68, however the locomotives were given the Class 70 TOPS code, breaking the previous convention that class numbers in the 70s were used for DC electric locomotives.

The new locomotives are similar in appearance to a Class 58; a hood unit design with a narrow body typical of locomotive types in use in North America, the cabs are accessed from the rear via exterior walkways on the narrow part of the hood. The distinctive front end shape is due to crashworthiness features It is also fitted with air conditioning and acoustic insulation to improve the crew's environment, making it an improvement over the Class 66.