The locomotives were styled by Paul Arzens, designed by Groupement 50Hz (a French consortium led by Alsthom) and entered service in 1974.
As thyristor technology advanced rapidly, SNCF decided to adopt the new technology for a new series of locomotives, later known as the "Nez Cassés (Broken Noses, due to their cab styling by Paul Arzens)" or "BB 4400kW".
The design of the locomotives are based on Paul Arzens of Alsthom, and resemble many of the concurrent locomotives produced by them.
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