The ATR 42-600 pre-series aircraft has had a successful first flight from Toulouse.
The aircraft, powered with Pratt & Whitney PW127M engines, completed a two-hour flight, thus starting a flight test campaign of approximately 75 hours. Among other checks, the aircraft underwent tests regarding engine performance and the function of its specifically developed Thales avionics suite, which integrates the newest computer systems and software for navigational aids, flight data recording, automatic piloting and communications. The pilots also tested hydraulic and electrical systems and blades balancing.
“The first flight of the ATR 42-600 is the culmination of the dedication and strong efforts of our team and our partners in order to prepare this new aircraft for its flight test campaign,” emphasised Stéphane Mayer, ATR’s chief executive officer. “With the ATR 42-600, we are proud to develop a new aircraft that has been specifically designed to optimally match the 50-seat regional market requirements, both in terms of comfort and performance.”
The ATR ‘-600’ series was launched in October 2007 since when ATR has gained 59 firm orders (5 ATR 42-600s and 54 ATR 72-600s).
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