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).
Developing nation: France and Italy
Manufacturer/designer: ATR
Production lines: Toulouse, France
First flight: August 16, 1984 F-WEGA
Certification: September 1985
First delivery: December9, 1985 to Air Littoral of France
ATR-42-300
The ATR-42-300 was the standard production version of the ATR-42 family until 1996 and features greater payload range and a higher takeoff weight than the prototypes. The similar ATR-42-320 (also withdrawn in 1996) differed in having the more powerful PW-121 engines for better hot and high performance, while the ATR-42 Cargo is a quick change freight/passenger version of the 42-300.
ATR-42-500
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 ATR –600 series:
The ATR 42-600 is a further development of the ATR 42 aircraft family encompassing the latest technological enhancements while building upon the proven ATR 42-500 airframe and retaining thus the low fuel burn and operating cost. The ATR 42-600 turboprop aircraft will feature the Pratt & Whiney PW127M engine with increased power which translates into aircraft’s improved performance for hot climate and high conditions. Additionally, the ATR 42-600 will have a maximum take-off weight increase of 300 kg helping to cope with demands for more weight available for passenger and baggage. ATR will introduce extensively more durable and energy efficient LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology replacing the lighting systems inside the cabin. The new avionics suite meant for the -600 series will include a glass cockpit with 5 wide LCD screens replacing the current EFIS system and provided with upgraded avionics instrumentation which encompasses navigation, recording, auto- pilot and communications.
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Capacity: 42–50 passengers
- Length: 22.67 m (74 ft 5 in)
- Wingspan: 24.57 m (80 ft 7 in)
- Height: 7.59 m (24 ft 11 in)
- Wing area: 54.5 m2 (587 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 11.1:1
- Empty weight: 11,250 kg (24,802 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 18,600 kg (41,006 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127E turboprops, 1,610 kW (2,160 shp) each
Performance
- Cruise speed: 560 km/h; 350 mph (300 kn)
- Range: 1,555 km (966 mi; 840 nmi) with 48 passengers
- Service ceiling: 7,600 m (24,934 ft)
- Takeoff Run at MTOW: 1,165 m (3,822 ft)
All pictures courtesy of Zijde Aviation Photo and Publishing, Rob Vogelaar.
