With an estimated 1,200 short-field capable turboprops nearing retirement, ATR is looking to fill the void with its new ATR 42-600S STOL. Lee Cross takes a look at the latest addition to the best-selling regional airliner family
When the ATR 42 first took to the skies in 1984, it entered a rather crowded market, with well over a dozen competing designs all vying for a slice of the regional airliner pie. That the Franco-Italian type has not only seen these off, but today remains the only Western-built 50-seat turboprop still in production, is testament to its remarkable staying power. In fact, between the ATR 42 and the larger 72, Toulouse/Blagnac-based ATR is now the world’s leading turboprop manufacturer.
Part of the secret behind the success of the aircraft family is the continuous improvement programme that has kept the types at the cutting edge of the industry, across a range of upgrades, modifications and, more recently, a dedicated factory-built freighter. The latest variant is the ATR 42-600S, a short take-off and landing (STOL) version that has been under development for several years.
The business case for such a model is sound. Studies by the manufacturer, a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, reveals more tha…
