Editing ATR 42 (section)

== Development ==

During the 1960s and 1970s, European aircraft manufacturers had, for the most part, undergone considerable corporate restructuring, including [[merger]]s and consolidations, as well as moving towards collaborative multinational programmes, such as the newly launched [[Airbus A300]]. In line with this trend towards intra-European co-operation, French [[aerospace manufacturer]] Aérospatiale and Italian aviation conglomerate Aeritalia commenced discussions on the topic of working together to develop an all-new [[regional airliner]]. Prior to this, both companies had been independently conducting studies for their own aircraft concepts, the AS 35 design in the case of Aerospatiale and the AIT 230 for Aeritalia, to conform with demand within this sector of the market as early as 1978.<ref name="milestones 2017" />

=== Initial development ===
[[File:16.08.84 1er Vol de l'ATR 42 (1984) - 53Fi2096 (cropped).jpg|thumb|First flight at [[Toulouse–Blagnac Airport]], 16 August 1984]]

On 4 November 1981, a formal co-operation agreement was signed by Aeritalia chairman Renato Bonifacio and Aerospatiale chairman [[Jacques Mitterrand]] in [[Paris]]. This agreement signaled not only the merger of their efforts, but also of their separate concept designs together into a single complete aircraft design for the purpose of pursuing its development and manufacture as a collaborative [[joint venture]].<ref name="milestones 2017" />
The consortium then targeted a similar unit cost, but a {{cvt|950|lb|kg|order=flip|adj=on}} [[fuel economy in aircraft|fuel consumption]] over a {{cvt|200|nmi}} sector, nearly half the {{cvt|1,750|lb|order=flip}} required by its 40-50 seat competitors, the [[British Aerospace HS.748]] and [[Fokker F.27]], and planned a 58-seat ATR XX stretch.<ref name=Flight19dec1981>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1981/1981%20-%203938.html |title= ATR42 promises low-cost operations |magazine= Flight International |date= 19 December 1981}}</ref>

This agreement served not only as the basis and origins of the [[ATR (aircraft manufacturer)|ATR]] company, but also as the effective launch point of what would become the fledgling firm's first aircraft, which was designated as the ATR 42. By 1983, ATR's customer services division has been set up, readying infrastructure worldwide to provide support for ATR's upcoming aircraft to any customer regardless of location.<ref name="milestones 2017">[http://www.atraircraft.com/about-atr/corporate-overview/milestones.html?id=105 "Company milestones."] ''[[ATR (aircraft manufacturer)|ATR]]'', Retrieved: 29 July 2017.</ref>
On 16 August 1984, the first ATR 42 conducted its [[maiden flight]] from [[Toulouse Airport]], France.<ref name="milestones 2017" /> During September 1985, both the French [[Directorate General for Civil Aviation (France)|Directorate General for Civil Aviation]] (DGCA) and the Italian [[Italian Civil Aviation Authority]] awarded [[type certification]] for the type, clearing it to commence operational service.

=== Introduction ===
[[File:98bw - Air Littoral ATR 42-500, F-GPYO@ZRH;19.06.2000 (5363539128).jpg|thumb|An ATR 42 of [[Air Littoral]], which served as the type's launch operator]]

On 3 December 1985, the first production aircraft, designated as the ATR 42-300, was delivered to French launch customer [[Air Littoral]], with the first revenue service, between [[Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport]] and [[Orly Airport|Paris Orly]] airport taking place on 23 December.<ref name="milestones arch">{{Cite web |url=http://www.atraircraft.com/milestone2.htm |title=Milestones |publisher = [[ATR (aircraft manufacturer)|ATR]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017034141/http://www.atraircraft.com/milestone2.htm |date=2006 |archive-date=17 October 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Bénichou |first1=Michel |last2=Roux |first2=Robert J. |title=Fanactualites: 1<sup>er</sup> vols |magazine=Le Fana de l'Aviation |date=January 1986 |issue=194 |page=52 |language=fr}}</ref> During January 1986, already confident of the ATR 42's success and of the demand for an enlarged version of the aircraft, ATR announced that the launch of a programme to develop such an aircraft, which was designated as the ATR 72 to reflect its increased passenger capacity.<ref name="milestones 2017" />

By the end of 1986, the ATR 42 had accumulated a sizable backlog of orders, which in turn led to a ramping up of the type's rate of production.<ref name="milestones arch" /> During August 1988, ATR's marketing efforts in the lucrative North American market resulted in the securing of a large order of 50 ATR-42-300s from US operator [[Texas Air Corporation]]; that same year, another American regional carrier, [[Trans World Express]], received the 100th production aircraft.<ref name="milestones arch" /> On 1 July 1989, ATR opened their new global training centre for the type in Toulouse, which provided centralised and modern facilities for the training to airline staff and other personnel across the world. During June 1999, the ATR global training center became one of the first European institutions to be recognised as a Type Rating Training Organization, as defined by the [[Joint Aviation Authorities]].<ref name="milestones 2017" />

During September 1989, ATR announced it had achieved its original target of 400 sales of the ATR.<ref name="milestones arch" /> That same year, deliveries of the enlarged ATR 72 commenced; shortly thereafter, both types commonly were ordered together.<ref name="milestones 2017" /> Since the smaller ATR 42 is assembled on the same production line as the ATR 72, along with sharing the majority of subsystems, components, and manufacturing techniques, the two types support each other to remain in production. This factor may have been crucial, as by 2015, the ATR 42 was the only 50-seat regional aircraft that was still being manufactured.<ref name="ain nov 2015">Sheppard, Ian. [https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2015-11-08/atr-continues-drive-turboprop-revolution "ATR Continues To Drive Turboprop Revolution."] ''AIN Online'', 8 November 2015.</ref><ref name="lease freight ain" />

=== ATR 42-300/320 ===
[[File:Fedex Feeder at Santa Barbara (1 of 2) (52274307052).jpg|thumb|A freighter-configured ATR 42-300, operated by [[FedEx Feeder]]]]
To maintain a technological edge on the highly competitive market for regional airliners during the 1990s, several modifications and improved versions of the ATR 42 were progressively introduced. The initial ATR 42-300 model remained in production until 1996, while the first upgraded (and broadly similar) model, designated as the 'ATR 42-320, was also produced until 1996. The -320 variant principally differed in that it was powered by a pair of the more-powerful PW121 engines, giving it improved performance over the 300. Another variant, the ATR 42-300QC, was a dedicated [[combi aircraft|quick-change]] (convertible) freight/passenger version of the standard -300 series.<ref name="stats41">{{cite web |url=http://www.airliners.net/aircraft-data/stats.main?id=41 |title=ATR ATR-42 |publisher= Airliners.net |access-date=26 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="milestones arch" />

=== ATR 42-500 ===

The next major production version was the ATR 42-500 series, the development of which having been originally announced on 14 June 1993.<ref name="milestones arch" /> Performing its maiden flight on 16 September 1994, and awarded certification by the British [[Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom)|Civil Aviation Authority]] and France's DGCA during July 1995;<ref name="milestones arch" /> the -500 model was an upgraded aircraft, equipped with new PW127 engines, new six-bladed propellers, improved hot and high performance, increased weight capacity, and an improved passenger cabin. On 31 October 1995, the first ATR 42-500 was delivered to Italian operator [[Air Dolomiti]]; on 19 January 1996, the first revenue service to be performed by the type was conducted.<ref name="milestones 2017" />
On 19 November 2000, 120 min [[ETOPS]] were approved.<ref name=TCDS />

In addition to new aircraft models, various organisational changes were also implemented. On 10 July 1998, ATR launched its new asset management department.<ref name="milestones arch" /> In June 2001, [[EADS]] and [[Alenia Aeronautica]], ATR's parent companies, decided to reinforce their partnership, regrouping all industrial activities related to regional airliners underneath the ATR consortium.<ref name="milestones 2017" /> On 3 October 2003, ATR became one of the first aircraft manufacturers to be certified under [[ISO 9000#2000 version|ISO 9001-2000]] and [[AS9100|EN/AS/JISQ 9100]], the worldwide quality standard for the aeronautics industry. During July 2004, ATR and [[Brazil]]ian aircraft manufacturer [[Embraer]] announced a cooperation agreement on the AEROChain Portal for the purpose of delivering improved customer service.<ref name="milestones 2017" /> During April 2009, ATR announced the launch of its 'Door-2-Door' service as a new option in its comprehensive customer-services range.<ref name="milestones 2017" />

=== ATR 42-600 ===

[[File:ATR 42-600.jpg|thumb|The ATR 42-600 was launched on 2 October 2007, first flew on 4 March 2010, and was first delivered in November 2012.]]

The current production version is the ATR 42-600 series. On 2 October 2007, ATR CEO Stéphane Mayer announced the launch of the -600 series aircraft; the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 featured various improvements to increase efficiency, dispatch reliability, and lower fuel burn and operating costs. While broadly similar to the earlier -500 model, differences include the adoption of improved PW127M engines, a new [[glass cockpit]], and a variety of other minor improvements. Using the test registration ''F-WWLY'', the [[prototype]] ATR 42-600 first flew on 4 March 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-All-the-Worlds-Aircraft/ATR-42-International.html |title=Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's&nbsp;— IHS | access-date=26 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untiteld/ATR-ATR-42-600/2186608/L/ |title=Photos: ATR ATR 42-600 Aircraft Pictures |publisher= Airliners.net |access-date=26 December 2014}}</ref> The first aircraft was delivered to [[Tanzania]]n airline [[Precision Air]] in November 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.atraircraft.com/newsroom/press-releases-details-1197-en.html |title=First ATR 42-600 delivered to Precision Air Services |date=9 November 2012 |publisher=[[ATR (aircraft manufacturer)|ATR]] |access-date=28 January 2013}}</ref>

As a consequence of strong demand for the -600 series, ATR decided to invest in the establishment of a second, more modern final-assembly line and acquisition of more hangar space at their Toulouse site, along with a new large completion and delivery area; overall, the manufacturing operation expanded to four times the footprint that it had in 2005.<ref name="ain nov 2015" /> Speaking in October 2015, ATR CEO Patrick de Castelbajac stated that the firm was set to produce in excess of 90 aircraft that year, and that the new manufacturing facilities could support a production rate of up to 120 per year. At the time, the company had a backlog of orders for 300 aircraft, sufficient for three years' of production.<ref name="ain nov 2015" /> During 2017, a new in-house financing and leasing division was established by ATR to offer customers a greater degree of support and expand the company's range of services.<ref name="lease freight ain" />

Considerable emphasis has been placed upon the continuous development of ATR's aircraft models.<ref name="lease freight ain" />
Additionally, during the mid-2010s, reports emerged that the development of a further stretched 90-seat ATR model was under consideration as well; allegedly, shareholder Airbus was relatively unenthusiastic on proceeding with such a development, while ATR CEO Fabrice Brégier favoured a focus on resolving manufacturing issues.<ref name="ain nov 2015" /><ref name="chin ain 2014" />

=== 42-600S STOL ===

During the late 2010s, ATR conducted a feasibility study into developing the ATR 42's [[short takeoff and landing]] (STOL) capabilities, potentially enabling the type to make use of runways as short as {{convert|800|m|ft|abbr=on}} via the adoption of enhanced brakes and a drastically modified tail unit; the company viewed this measure as expanding the aircraft's potential and opening new sales possibilities.<ref name="lease freight ain">Sheppard, Ian. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2017-06-07/atr-creates-leasing-asset-management-freighter-unit "ATR Creates Leasing, Asset Management & Freighter Unit."] ''AIN Online'', 7 June 2017.</ref> It could introduce a steep approach capability and operating costs that compare to 30-seaters.<ref name="lease freight ain" />

STOL improvements should be launched in 2019 to reduce landing distance from {{cvt|1100| to| 800|m|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/atr-maintains-its-low-risk-strategy |title= ATR Maintains Its Low-Risk Strategy |date= 4 February 2019 |author= Thierry Dubois |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology}}</ref>
Existing [[flight control surface|control surfaces]] would be re-engineered with takeoff [[wing flap|flaps]] extended to 25°, and both spoilers deploying at landing and not only for inflight turns, adding an [[autobrake]] system, while the [[aircraft rudder|rudder]] is modified to increase its maximum deflection and the [[vertical stabilizer]]'s size is increased, to counter an [[Turbine engine failure|engine failure]], lowering the [[minimum control speed]].<ref>{{cite news |url= https://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/atr-developing-string-upgrades-regional-turboprops |title= ATR Is Developing A String Upgrades For Regional Turboprops |date= 21 February 2019 |author= Thierry Dubois |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology}}</ref>

ATR estimates a market for STOL 20–42 seaters of 800 over 30 years, to serve islands and deliver cargo to short runways.<!--ref name=AvWeek9apr2019-->
The ATR 42-600S empty weight will be reduced with lighter seats and galley fittings.<ref name=AvWeek9apr2019>{{cite news |url= https://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/atr-working-launch-orders-short-field-42-600 |title= ATR Working on Launch Orders For Short-Field 42-600 |date= 9 April 2019 |author= Bradley Perrett |work= Aviation Week Network}}</ref> The variant was officially announced at the June 2019 [[Paris Air Show]]. Irish lessor Elix Aviation Capital will be the launch customer, taking 10 aircraft from 2022 to 2024; commitments from [[Air Tahiti]] and another undisclosed customer bring the total order book to 17.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moores |first1=Victoria |title=ATR Secures 17 Commitments For New ATR 42 STOL Variant |url=https://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/atr-secures-17-commitments-new-atr-42-stol-variant |work=Aviation Daily |date=19 June 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

On 9 October 2019, ATR launched the ATR 42-600S at the [[European Regions Airline Association]] General Assembly, with 20 commitments including from Elix Aviation Capital (10 aircraft) and Air Tahiti (two aircraft).<!--ref name=ATR9oct2019-->
Capable of operating from {{cvt|800|m}} runways with up to 42 passengers, certification is expected for the second half of 2022 before first delivery.<!--ref name=ATR9oct2019-->
The ATR 42-600S can access close to 500 airports with an {{cvt|800-1,000|m|abbr=on}} runway, expanding its addressable market by 25%.<ref name=ATR9oct2019>{{cite press release |url= http://www.atraircraft.com/newsroom/news-a-brand-new-addition-to-the-atr-aircraft-family-the-atr-42-600s-_64.html |title= A brand new addition to the ATR aircraft family – the ATR 42-600S!|date= 9 October 2019 |publisher= ATR}}</ref> 800 m runway operation is limited to {{cvt|200|nmi}} long flights with 70% used seats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atr-aircraft.com/aircraft-services/aircraft-family/atr-42-600s-stol/|title=ATR 42-600 STOL Aircraft &#124; ATR Aircraft|website=ATR}}</ref>

The variant made a 2h 15min maiden flight on 11 May 2022, while the larger rudder will be fitted at the end of 2022 before the certification phase start in 2023.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/short-take-off-atr-42-variant-carries-out-maiden-flight/148607.article |title= Short take-off ATR 42 variant carries out maiden flight |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |date= 11 May 2022 |work= Flightglobal}}</ref>

In November 2024 ATR terminated the development of the 42-600S STOL version, opting instead to focus on improving the efficiency of the entire ATR 42 and ATR 72 families.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Meier |first1=Ricardo |title=ATR abandons short take-off and landing variant ATR 42-600S - Air Data News |url=https://www.airdatanews.com/atr-abandons-short-take-off-and-landing-variant-atr-42-600s/ |website=www.airdatanews.com |publisher=airdatanews |access-date=29 November 2024 |date=14 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jaworowski |first1=Raymond |title=ATR Ceases Development of ATR 42-600S STOL Version |url=https://flightplan.forecastinternational.com/2024/11/15/atr-ceases-development-of-atr-42-600s-stol-version/ |website=Flight Plan |publisher=Flight Plan |access-date=29 November 2024 |date=15 November 2024}}</ref>