European aircraft manufacturer ATR has launched the newest version of its turboprop family, the so-called -600 series, and says the aircraft will be progressively introduced during the second half of 2010.
During a press conference in Arlington, Virginia 2 October ATR CEO Stephane Mayer said the firm’s new ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 "will feature the latest technological enhancements", including an enhanced cockpit equipped with upgraded avionics instrumentation; a standard additional weight increase of 300kg on MTOW (maximum take off weight) and MZFW (max zero fuel weight); and the latest in light emitting diode lighting inside the cabin.
 |
|---|
The ATR 42-600 "will feature an enhanced cockpit equipped with upgraded avionics instrumentation" |
Significantly, the ATR 42-600s and ATR 72-600s will include the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M as standard engine.
"This enhanced version of the ATR engine will allow an increased power rating for the ATR 72-600 that will provide improved performance for hot and high conditions," says ATR.
"The ‘-600 series’ ATRs are the result of our continuous product improvement strategy in order to meet the demands of the market," says Mayer.
"The new ATR is vastly different from the earlier versions of the aircraft, with many innovations and developments resulting from the operators’ experience and the newest available technologies.
 |
|---|
ATR -600 series |
"These developments allow ATR to provide state-of-the art technology and environmentally-friendly aircraft with high reliability, superior comfort, and the lowest cost per seat among regional aircraft".
He adds: "The ‘-600 series’ underlines the strong ‘family concept’ of ATR, with two aircraft that are extremely similar, providing common airframe, common engines, common cockpit and the same pilot type rating. The compromise between simplicity and effectiveness of the design is one of our key goals".
Source: FlightGlobal.com
