In the eighties four different prototypes (BB10003, 10004, 20011 and 20012) were needed to develop, improve and perfect the modern synchrone and asynchrone locomotives which Alstom (at that time still Alsthom) produces nowadays. The modern times really began in 1988 with the introduction of the synchrone two tension BB26000 series, the so called SYBIC locomotives. Untill 1998 234 locomotives were produced, 30 engines less than planned. The SNCF decided to reduce the BB26000 order in favourite of the new three tension asynchrone BB 36000 series, better fitting in the ongoing internationalisation of freight transport.
