ATR 42 Family
The ATR 42 is the founding aircraft of the European ATR consortium (Airbus and Leonardo). Specifically engineered for regional feeder routes, island hopping, and unpaved short runways, the ATR 42 pairs Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 turboprops with high-wing aerodynamics to deliver peerless point-to-point regional economics.
ATR 42 Family Technical Matrix
| Specification | ATR 42-300 | ATR 42-500 | ATR 42-600 | ATR 42-600S (STOL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Passenger Capacity | 46–50 | 48–50 | 48–50 | 30–50 (Short Field) |
| Overall Length | 22.67 m / 74 ft 5 in | 22.67 m / 74 ft 5 in | 22.67 m / 74 ft 5 in | 22.67 m / 74 ft 5 in |
| Wingspan | 24.57 m / 80 ft 7 in | 24.57 m / 80 ft 7 in | 24.57 m / 80 ft 7 in | 24.57 m / 80 ft 7 in |
| Tail Height | 7.59 m / 24 ft 11 in | 7.59 m / 24 ft 11 in | 7.59 m / 24 ft 11 in | 7.59 m / 24 ft 11 in |
| Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 16,900 kg / 37,258 lbs | 18,600 kg / 41,005 lbs | 18,600 kg / 41,005 lbs | 18,600 kg / 41,005 lbs |
| Max Range (Full Payload) | 480 nm / 890 km | 716 nm / 1,326 km | 726 nm / 1,345 km | 670 nm / 1,240 km |
| Engines (2x) | PWC PW120 (1,800 shp) | PWC PW127E (2,160 shp) | PWC PW127M (2,160 shp) | PWC PW127XT-M (STOL Rake) |
| Takeoff Distance | 1,090 m / 3,576 ft | 1,165 m / 3,822 ft | 1,107 m / 3,632 ft | 800 m / 2,625 ft (STOL) |
Program History & Milestone Timeline
Aérospatiale of France and Aeritalia (now Leonardo) of Italy combined aerospace resources to formally establish Avions de Transport Régional (ATR).
Prototype F-WEGA completed its maiden flight from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, piloted by Bernard Witt and Jean-Marie Kelly.
French regional airline Air Littoral operated the inaugural commercial revenue flight between Béziers and Paris.
Air Dolomiti introduced the ATR 42-500, featuring six-bladed Ratier-Figeac composite propellers and enhanced cabin soundproofing.
ATR certified the ATR 42-600 with Glass Cockpit avionics and later launched the ATR 42-600S for 800-meter STOL runways worldwide.