Quebec-based ExelTech and Comtek Advanced Structures of Ontario are developing an ATR 42 cargo conversion programme, which is due for US Federal Aviation Administration supplemental type certification (STC) in the third quarter.
The conversion, also to be certificated under Canadian airworthiness rules, will be undertaken at ExelTech's Montreal site, where regional aircraft heavy maintenance and overhaul is conducted. The partners, who plan to deliver the first conversion delivery to an unidentified customer by year-end, say the upgrade will take 10 days.
The plan, which could extend to the ATR 72, will compete with the bulk freighter conversion offered on the ATR 42 and 72 by Alenia and its subsidiary Aeronavali. Both convert the cabin into a "class E" compartment, and add transverse 9g cargo nets. The Canadian conversion divides the cabin into five or more zones, providing cargo volume of around 56m3 (1,980ft3).
ATR is developing its own ATR 42 freighter conversion, and plans to complete the first aircraft "towards the end of 2002, although we don't have a firm customer", says president John Moore. ATR says the market focus appears to be on the larger ATR 72-200. The first converted version with a large cargo door is due for delivery to Swiss carrier Farnair after appearing at the Farnborough air show in July.
ATR forecasts a market for between 10 and 15 conversions per year. Currently, 26 ATR aircraft - 21 42s and five 72s - are in cargo configuration. Baseline conversions cost between $250,000 and $500,000 without the large cargo door, costing an additional $1.5 million.
Meanwhile, the first converted Saab 340 freighter is expected to roll out in June, says Saab Aircraft Leasing. "We have no launch customer yet, but we do have a lot of interest," says Saab. The $250,000 conversion forms part of a projected $2.5 million delivery price.
Source: Flight International
