The new 30-to-50-seater aircraft capable of taking off and landing on shorter runways will now enter a phase of ground and flight tests.
ATR successfully conducted the first flight ofpartially 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.
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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 increased regional connectivity.
