ATR is expecting CMC Electronics' electronic flight bag to be certificated for its aircraft by September, forming one of a number of product enhancements that the airframer plans.
CMC Electronics Class 2 PilotView EFB system was recently selected by ATR as a new-build and retrofit option for its ATR 42 and 72 turboprops. The airframer's engineering vice-president Carmine Orsi says the manufacturer has completed flight testing on the various PilotView components and is aiming to secure certification by September.
The system will enter service on ATR types by November, when it is delivered to launch customer Cape Verde carrier TACV. Orsi says ATR is also in talks with a US-based ATR operator over a retrofit deal, although this contract is yet to be finalised.
"The main reason we selected CMC was for dimensions and weight," Orsi says. "The ATR is a regional aircraft, so we don't have the [size of] cockpit of an Airbus A380. We tried the different installations and CMC was the easiest one." He says three companies participated in the request for proposals, which was launched in the second half of 2006, but declines to name the other candidates.
The dual installation PilotView system, which was also recently selected by Embraer for its E-170 and E-190 programmes, enables paperless cockpit operations, giving electronic access to aircraft data, checklists, manuals and charts. Orsi says PilotView can show a GPS-based aircraft position on navigational charts. The portable system has up to 40min of standalone battery power.
ATR is also progressing with its plans to offer a new Pratt & Whitney powerplant, the PW127M, which will give ATR 72-500s a 5% thrust increase for use in hot and high conditions.
It will be possible to vary thrust levels, depending on individual airport operating requirements, a feature which ATR refers as "flex operations".
An aircraft is undergoing modification, and ground testing will begin in the next week. The flight-test programme should be completed by November for service entry in January 2008, says Orsi.
The PW127M will be fitted to ATR 42s and 72s as standard, says Orsi, replacing existing powerplants on both types. The additional thrust capability will apply only to the larger ATR 72, but the change will maintain engine commonality across the two types.
ATR is also working to upgrade its multipurpose computer software, with certification expected by October. Orsi says: "This is in line with our policy of continuously improving our aircraft. At the end of the day, we want to be stronger in the areas where we are already strong."
Source: Flight International
