ATR is equipping an ATR 72 test aircraft with the new Thales flightdeck that will be installed on its improved -600 family, with the aim of beginning flight testing in April next year.
Last October ATR detailed its plans to offer the ATR 42 and 72 -600 as a successor to the -500 series. One of the manufacturer's test aircraft, MSN98, is being fitted with the -600's new cockpit systems at ATR's production line in Toulouse.
STR says 100% of the new avionics elements will be tested: "LCD screens, multipurpose computer, and all the newest navigation, recording, communication and auto-pilot tools".
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The airframer adds that the ground testing of the new avionics will begin in December, ahead of an initial test flight using the new avionics suite in April 2009. This will enable the manufacturer to test the aircraft's Category 3a approach and required navigation performance capabilities.
Speaking during a recent media briefing in Toulouse, ATR chief executive Stephane Mayer said: "It will be, as far as avionics is concerned, the most modern turboprop and comparable to the latest products introduced on the market."
He said that the system will be very similar to that found on the Airbus A380, making it the most modern among its turboprop and regional jet rivals.
In addition to the new avionics, which will improve the type's capability in adverse weather, the -600 will be equipped with higher-thrust Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M engines and will have an improved performance in hot and high conditions. It will also benefit from increased payload, lighter baseline weights, enhanced cabin comfort and an electronically linked maintenance system.
ATR is yet to reveal a launch customer for the type, but Mayer says the firm has secured its first -600 orders, the first of which is likely to be disclosed during this month's Farnborough air show.
Source: Flight International
