Cummins Launches QSK95 High-Speed Diesel with More Than 4,000 HP for Locomotives

Cummins Inc. launched the QSK95 engine with more than 4000-hp (2983 kW) output at the Seymour Engine Plant, where the new engine will be manufactured for locomotive applications ahead of the Tier 4 ultra-low emissions standards taking effect in 2015. The 16-cylinder QSK95 introduces a new high-speed power capability for passenger and freight locomotives, surpassing the output of high-speed engines with 20-cylinders. The exceptional strength of the QSK95 will improve locomotive traction and increase acceleration, boosting performance with highly responsive quad-turbocharging.

The QSK95 engine leaps ahead of medium-speed engines in terms of ultra-low emissions capability with a combination of cleaner in-cylinder combustion and a fully engine-integrated Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust aftertreatment system purpose-designed by Cummins. The 95-liter QSK95 also brings the advantage of a much-reduced installation envelope compared with larger medium-speed locomotive engines that require much higher displacement to achieve a similar power output.

“The new QSK95 is already attracting strong interest from locomotive builders and rail operators from around the world who recognize the exciting potential this engine brings to the industry in terms of superior performance and ultra-low emissions capability,” said Kathryn Unger, Cummins general manager – Worldwide Rail Business.

“We anticipate that the QSK95 will power the first passenger locomotives to meet Tier 4 emissions standards in North America, using Cummins proven SCR exhaust aftertreatment. The inherent advantage of high-speed diesel efficiency and a more compact installation over medium-speed locomotive engines becomes even more apparent with the need to meet very low emissions levels.

“The arrival of the new QSK95 builds on the success of the QSK78 and the QSK60 in the locomotive engine market. Just as Cummins is a major presence in Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) railcars, switcher locomotives and track maintenance equipment, we expect to become a force in the larger locomotive engine business," added Unger.

The QSK95 engine extends Cummins locomotive power by 900 hp (670 kW), which will provide rail operators who need more power with the same proven reliability and durability they experience by using Cummins power today.

QSK95 Flexible Power Solutions

For commuter and intercity locomotives, the QSK95 is capable up to 4200-hp (3132 kW) and can be installed with an auxiliary Cummins rail engine to provide electrical hotel power to the passenger cars, freeing up maximum tractive power from the prime mover. The QSK95 engine is also available rated from 3500-hp to 4000-hp (2610-2983 kW) as a highly cost-effective power solution for multipurpose short-haul freight locomotives.

For large line-haul freight locomotives requiring more than 4000-hp output, the QSK95 can be specified with a smaller Cummins locomotive engine as a combined power installation. A smart power-sharing system transfers work between the two Cummins engines to match the locomotive duty cycle more efficiently than a conventional single engine. This innovative approach provides full traction power when the locomotive needs it and the best possible fuel economy when running at lower power levels to reduce overall operating costs.

Cummins advanced electronics enable the QSK95 to be custom-calibrated for specific locomotive applications on a global basis, with the flexibility for performance to be optimized among fuel consumption, transient response and emissions reduction to suit different operational requirements.