ATR, the world’s largest regional aircraft manufacturer, revealed that the prototype of the STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) variant of its ATR 42 model successfully completed its first test flight. It came exactly one year after the design was put on ice and production was declared open for business.
The aircraft, an ATR 42-600S, took off at 10:00 a.m. from Francazal airport in southern France and lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes. During the flight, the crew conducted a series of tests to measure the performance of the aircraft’s systems. In subsequent operations, the new equipment functionalities will be tested one by one.
Related content: ATR continues its improvement plan
First, tests will be performed on the new multifunctional computer (MFC-NG). These will be followed by tests on the auto brake, spoilers, and various other refurbished systems. The aircraft will be modified near the end of the year with the addition of a larger tail rudder. This will be followed by the certification phase, scheduled for 2023.
ATR launched this STOL variant, called the ATR 42-600S, at the ERA General Assembly. To date, it has firm commitments for twenty units of the type. These include Elix Aviation Capital, for 10 aircraft, and Air Tahiti, its launch customer, for two aircraft. The geographical challenges of the scattered Polynesian islands make this model an excellent addition for the airline.
According to the manufacturer, there are currently about 500 airports worldwide with a runway length of between 800 and 1,000 meters. At these airports the ATR 42-600S could operate without difficulty (its takeoff run is 800 meters), helping to establish better regional connectivity.
