ATR 42-600S STOL takes flight in its partial configuration
The 30 to 50 seater aircraft capable of taking-off and landing on shorter runways will now enter a phase of ground and flight tests
Toulouse, Francazal Airport, 11 May 2022 – ATR, the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer, today announces the successful first flight of the partially configured STOL variant (for ‘Short Take-Off and Landing’) of its ATR 42-600 aircraft. The flight took off at 10:00 from Francazal airport and lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The crew onboard performed a number of tests to measure the upgraded aircraft systems’ performance.
Following the successful completion of this first flight, new functionalities will be tested one at a time, starting with the MFC-NG (Multifunctional Computer New Generation), followed by the Autobrake, Ground Spoiler, and increased take off rating systems.
The aircraft will enter its final configuration at the end of the year with the addition of a new larger rudder and move on to the certification phase in 2023.
To-date, ATR has recorded 20 commitments from airlines and lessors for this ATR 42-600S.
There are currently close to 500 airports around the world with a runway length between 800 and 1,000 meters (2,625 to 3,281 feet) that could welcome the ATR 42-600S. This new STOL variant will help passengers benefit from an increased regional connectivity.
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About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft opened 160 new routes in 2023, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATR’s focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets. In January 2022, we flew the first ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.