With Rubin's highly skilled specialists and experience in the implementation of challenging engineering projects in cooperation with Russian and international hi-tech companies, in 1993 the company was selected general designer for the first Russian high-speed train. The task was to produce an internationally competitive train at a competitive cost.

Following the scope of technical work by the Ministry of Railways of the Russian Federation, Rubin in cooperation with more than 50 defense industry companies designed the Sokol 12-car high-speed train capable of moving at 250 km/h along the then-available rails. A 6-car pilot model was constructed in 1999. From 2000 to 2002 the preliminary-, delivery- and proof speed trials were conducted at the VNII of Rail Roads trial railway and Moscow / St Petersburg main line, with speed up to 236 km/h and power supply from direct current overhead lines. The results proved that the train met the requirements set in the scope of work. Nevertheless, in April 2002 the works were stopped, funding from the Ministry of Railways suspended.

The production and trials of this type of rolling stock in so short a time had had no parallels worldwide.

Structurally, extensive innovations were implemented to ensure high performance characteristics of the train:

• unique all-welded aluminum alloy car structure with advanced stiffness;
• ideally streamlined shape of the train engine;
• traction drive for every third car section with four induction motors and static invertors for two supply systems (AC and DC);
• microprocessors to control and check train systems;
• energy absorbers to absorb shock loads in emergencies.

The equipment was developed and produced mostly by Russian companies. In the process, the production and research facilities were upgraded, and the industrial / trial base was laid to produce heavy-duty electrical equipment supplied from both AC and DC.