DR Class 243

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Deutsche Reichsbahn Class 243 Deutsche Bahn Class 143
Locomotive 143 017-2 in Nürnberg
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder LEW Hennigsdorf Build date 1982 (prototype); 1984-1991 Total produced 646
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Bo′Bo′ Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) Wheel diameter 1.250 m (4 ft 1.2 in) (new) Wheelbase 3.300 m (10 ft 9.9 in) Pivot centres 8.500 m (27 ft 10.6 in) Length Over body: 15.440 m (50 ft 7.9 in) Over buffers: 16.640 m (54 ft 7.1 in) Width 3.120 m (10 ft 2.8 in) Height: ​  • Body height 3.980 m (13 ft 0.7 in) Axle load 21 t (21 LT; 23 ST) Loco weight 82.5 t (81.2 LT; 90.9 ST) Electric system/s 15 kV 16.7 Hz overhead line Current pickup(s) Pantograph Traction motors Four Gear ratio 1:2.72 Loco brake KE-GPR-E + ep // Knorr air brakes and electric resistance brake Safety systems Sifa / PZB / LZB
Performance figures Maximum speed 120 km/h (75 mph) Power output 3,720 kW (4,990 hp) Tractive effort: ​  • Starting 248 kN (56,000 lbf)  • 1 hour 128 kN (29,000 lbf)
Career Class DR: 243 DB: 143 First run 1985 Last run Still in active service - first 11 withdrawn in 2008

The DR Class 243 is a universal electric locomotive of the Deutsche Reichsbahn which is used for general rail service. Deutsche Bahn lists the locomotive as Class 143. The locomotives of class 143/243 still belong to the most successful class of German electric locomotives.