Cork Airport : ATR42 (Aerei da Trasporto Regionale or Avions de transport régional)

ATR42 is a Regional Aircraft manufactured by French Regional Aircraft Manufacturer ATR based in Toulouse. The aircraft has a number of variations.

The ATR 42–300 was announced in 1981, making its maiden flight on 16 August 1984; French and Italian certification followed in September 1985 and its first revenue flight was in December with Air Littoral of France. This initial version of the ATR42 was on production line until 1996. The next upgrade for product was ATR42-320 (also withdrawn in 1996) differed in having the more powerful PW-121 engines for better hot and high performance. ATR42-300QC is a quick change freight/passenger version of the standard −300 series.

The current production version is the −500 series. It is new generation aircraft with new engines, new propellers, improved hot and high performance, increased weight capacity and an improved passenger cabin. The 50-seat ATR 42–500 was first certificated in July 1995.

As of December 2013, 429 ATR 42s had been delivered worldwide.

There are six major variants of the ATR 42.

ATR 42–200

The −200 was the original ATR 42 prototype and only a few were built for testing purposes. It was powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120 engines rated at 1,800 shp (1,300 kW).

ATR 42–300

The −300 was the standard production version. This model was manufactured until 1996. It was powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120 engines rated at 2,000 shp (1,500 kW).

ATR 42–320

The −300 was the standard production version. This model was manufactured until 1996. It was powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120 engines rated at 2,000 shp (1,500 kW).

The −320 was an improved version of the −300 powered by PW121 engines (2100 shp). It was designed to have better performance especially in hot and high conditions.

ATR 42–400

The ATR 42−400 is an upgraded version of the −320 using six-bladed propellers on otherwise identical PW121 engines. Three ATR 42−400 were delivered to the Government of Italy as the ATR 42 "Surveyor" version. The only two civilian ATR 42-400 produced (msn 487 & 491) were delivered to CSA Czech Airlines in 1995/1996 as an interim upgrade prior to delivery of -500s. In 2006 these two aircraft were sold to Conviasa.

ATR 42–500

The ATR 42-500 is the current production version. The first delivery was in October 1995. It is a completely new design with many new improvements for performance and passenger comfort. It has new engines, new propellers, a newly designed cabin and increased weight capacity. It has six-bladed propellers turned by PW127E engines rated at 2,400 shp (1,800 kW) for improved hot and high performance and greatly increased cruise speed. The engines are flat rated for +45C. Propellers are electrically controlled and are made from composite. It has an increased maximum takeoff weight, allowing for more cargo and greater range (up to 1,500 nm). Due to the six-bladed propellers and better insulation, it has a much reduced noise level inside the cabin. The newest version have CATII capability and dual Honeywell HT1000 FMS installation.

ATR 42–600

The ATR 42-500 is the current production version. The first delivery was in October 1995. It is a completely new design with many new improvements for performance and passenger comfort. It has new engines, new propellers, a newly designed cabin and increased weight capacity. It has six-bladedpropellers turned by PW127E engines rated at 2,400 shp (1,800 kW) for improved hot and high performance and greatly increased cruise speed. The engines are flat rated for +45C. Propellers are electrically controlled and are made from composite. It has an increased maximum takeoff weight, allowing for more cargo and greater range (up to 1,500 nm). Due to the six-bladed propellers and better insulation, it has a much reduced noise level inside the cabin. The newest version have CATII capability and dual Honeywell HT1000 FMS installation.

The new ATR 42–600 and ATR 72–600 will feature the latest technological enhancements while building upon the well-known advantages of the current aircraft, namely its high efficiency, proven dispatch reliability, low fuel burn and operating cost. It will include the new PW127M as standard engine (new engines provide 5% additional thermodynamic power at takeoff, thus improving performance on short runways, in hot weather and on high altitude; the incorporation of the "boost function" enables use of this additional power as needed, only when called for by the takeoff conditions), Glass Cockpit flight deck featuring five wode LCD screens that will replace the current EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System). In addition, a Multi-Purpose Computer (MPC) will further enhance flight safety and operational capabilities. The new avionics, to be supplied by Thales, will also provide CAT III and RNP capabilities. It will also include the new lighter and more comfortable seats and larger overhead baggage bins.On 2 October 2007, ATR CEO Stéphane Mayer announced the launch of the new −600 series aircraft at a press conference held in Washington DC.

Using a temporary test registration F-WWLY the prototype ATR 42–600 first flew on 4 March 2010. The first aircraft was delivered to Precision Air in November 2012.

According to the ATR42 & 72 EASA Type Certificate Data Sheet TCDS A.084, Iss 3, 17-10-2012), "ATR 42-600" is the manufacturer's marketing designation of ATR 42-500 aircraft model with the NAS (New Avionic Suite, or 'Glass Cockpit') modification installed. The "ATR 42-600" marketing designation is not recognised by EASA as any new certified aircraft model or variant, and must not be used on ATR certified/approved documentation, where only "Mod 5948", "ATR 42-500 with Mod 5948", "ATR 42-500 fitted with NAS", or ATR 42-500 "600 version" must be indicated.

ATR42-200