| ATR 42 | |
|---|---|
| An Air Lithuania ATR 42 | |
| Role | Regional Airliner |
| Manufacturer | ATR |
| First flight | 16 August 1984 |
| Introduction | 1985 |
| Status | In revenue service |
| Primary users | FedEx Feeder Airlinair TRIP Linhas Aéreas Aeromar |
| Produced | 1984-present |
| Number built | 413+ |
| Unit cost | 42-500: $12 - 16 million (2008) [1] |
| Variants | ATR 72 |
The ATR 42 is a twin-turboprop, short-haul regional airliner built in France and Italy by ATR (Aerei da Trasporto Regionale or Avions de Transport Régional). ATR and Airbus are both built in Toulouse, and share resources and technology. The name "42" comes from the aircraft's standard seating, which varies from 40 to 52. The aircraft was the basis for the ATR 72.
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The ATR 42-300 was announced in 1981, making its maiden flight on 16 August 1984; French and Italian certification followed in September 1985 and its first revenue flight was in December of the same year with Air Littoral of France.[2] This initial version of the ATR42 was on production line until 1996. The next upgrade for product was ATR42-320 (also withdrawn in 1996) differed in having the more powerful PW-121 engines for better hot and high performance. ATR42-300QC is a quick change freight/passenger version of the standard -300 series.[3]
The current production version is the -500 series. It is totally new generation aircraft with new engines, new propellers, improved hot and high performance, increased weight capacity and an improved passenger cabin. The 50-seat ATR 42-500 was first certificated in July 1995.[3]
As of January 2009 at least 401 ATR 42s have been delivered worldwide with up to 18 aircraft on order.[4]
There are six major variants of the ATR 42.
The -200 was the original ATR 42 prototype and only a few were built for testing purposes. It was powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120 engines rated at 1,800 shp (1,300 kW).[5]
The -300 was the standard production version. This model was manufactured until 1996. It was powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120 engines rated at 1,800 shp (1,300 kW).
The -320 was an improved version of the -300 powered by PW121 engines (1900 shp). It was designed to have better performance especially in hot and high conditions.[5]
The -400 is the official name for the passenger version of the ATR 42 "Surveyor". the -400 is an upgraded version of the -200/300/320 using six-bladed propellers on otherwise identical PW120/PW121 engines. The primary users of this aircraft type are Conviasa & CSA Czech Airlines.
The ATR-500 is the current production version. The first delivery was in October 1995. It is a completely new design with many new improvements for performance and passenger comfort. It has new engines, new propellers, a newly designed cabin and increased weight capacity. It has six-bladed propellers turned by PW127E engines rated at 2,400 shp (1,800 kW) for improved hot and high performance and greatly increased cruise speed. The engines are flat rated for +45C. Propellers are completely electrically controlled and are made from composite material. It also has an increased maximum takeoff weight, allowing for more cargo and greater range (up to 1,500 nm). Due the six-bladed propellers and better insulation, it has a highly decreased noise level inside the cabin with new "elegance" style cabin. The newest version have CATII capability and dual Honeywell HT1000 FMS installation.[3][6]
On Tuesday 2 October 2007, ATR CEO Stéphane Mayer, announced the launch of the new -600 series aircraft at a Press Conference held in Washington, D.C..
The new ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 will feature the latest technological enhancements while building upon the well-known advantages of the current aircraft, namely its high efficiency, proven dispatch reliability, low fuel burn and operating cost. It will include the new PW127M as standard engine (new engines provide 5% additional thermodynamic power at takeoff, thus improving performance on short runways, in hot weather and on high altitude. The incorporation of the “boost function” enables use of this additional power as needed, only when called for by the takeoff conditions.), Glass Cockpit flight deck featuring five wide LCD screens that will replace the current EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System). In addition, a Multi-Purpose Computer (MPC) will further enhance flight safety and operational capabilities. The new avionics, to be supplied by Thales, will also provide CAT III and RNP capabilities. It will also include the new lighter and more comfortable seats and larger overhead baggage bins. The -600 series ATR aircraft will be progressively introduced during the second half of 2010.[7] The ATR 42-600 Series launch customer is the Royal Air Maroc (deliveries begin in March 2012).
Using a temporary test registration F-WWLY the prototype ATR 42–600 first flew on 4 March 2010.[8]
Bulk (Tube Versions) and ULD Freighter (Large Cargo Door). An STC exists to convert all ATR 42 variants to all-cargo transport aircraft.[9] FedEx, Aviavilsa, UPS, and DHL are major operators of the type.
The ATR 42 "Surveyor" is a maritime patrol version of the -500,[10] and VIP transport and in-flight inspection versions of the -500 also exist.[11][12]
Data from ATR [13]
General characteristics
Performance
The largest operators of the ATR-42 are FedEx Express, Airlinair, TRIP Linhas Aéreas,and Mexico City-based Aeromar respectively. Number of aircraft as of 2010:
Some 70 other airlines operate smaller numbers of the type.[17]
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