Turboprop manufacturer ATR has commenced test flights with an aircraft fitted with a modified fuselage panel, aimed at examining lighter structures and lower-noise technology.
The demonstration aircraft – a prototype ATR 72-600, MSN98 – has had the crown panel of its forward fuselage fitted with composite insulation and acoustic sensors.
ATR says that the technology, developed by shareholder Alenia Aermacchi, is designed to reduce fuel-burn and noise levels.
The testing will feature the use of new optical fibres, the company adds, to aid identification of micro-cracks.
ATR is performing the flights as part of the European ‘Clean Sky’ joint technology initiative, which aims to make progress towards 2020 environmental targets including a 50% cut in carbon dioxide emissions compared with 2000 levels.
It will complement the testing with a second campaign, at the end of this year, which will explore enhancement of on-board electrical distribution and air conditioning systems.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
