ATR 42

The ATR 42: A Regional Turboprop Pioneer

The ATR 42 is a twin-engine turboprop airliner designed for short-haul regional service. Developed in the 1980s by Avions de Transport Régional (ATR), a joint venture between the French company Aérospatiale and the Italian company Aeritalia, the aircraft was conceived to provide airlines with an efficient, reliable, and economical solution for low-to-medium-density routes.

The name ATR 42 is derived from the aircraft’s typical seating capacity, which originally centered around 42 passengers. Over time, the type has evolved through multiple variants, accommodating different passenger loads, avionics upgrades, and performance improvements.

Development Background

During the early 1980s, the regional aviation market was transitioning from piston and older turboprop aircraft toward more fuel-efficient designs. Airlines required an aircraft that could connect smaller airports with major hubs while operating from short or unpaved runways.

ATR leveraged European collaboration to create a clean-sheet design that would maximize fuel efficiency and low operating costs. The first prototype of the ATR 42 flew in August 1984, and certification was achieved the following year. Since then, the model has undergone continuous modernization, leading to versions such as the ATR 42-300, -320, -500, and the latest ATR 42-600, which incorporates advanced avionics and more powerful engines.

Design Features

The ATR 42 is a high-wing, pressurized regional airliner with a straight wing and a conventional tailplane. Its high wing placement provides excellent ground clearance, essential for operations on rough or semi-prepared airstrips.

The fuselage is circular in cross-section, optimized for passenger comfort and cargo flexibility. The landing gear is retractable and robust, designed to handle frequent takeoffs and landings in regional service.

Propulsion is provided by two turboprop engines driving six-bladed, variable-pitch propellers. The cockpit layout has evolved to include modern glass avionics in the latest variants, reducing pilot workload and enhancing safety.

Cabin configurations vary depending on airline requirements. A standard ATR 42 can carry around 42 to 50 passengers, but layouts can also be adapted for fewer seats with enhanced comfort, or for freight operations.

Operational Use

The ATR 42 has been a success in regional markets worldwide, particularly in areas where airlines require short-field performance and efficiency over relatively short sectors. Its versatility allows it to operate in hot-and-high conditions, from short runways, and into remote airports with limited infrastructure.

Airlines across Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia have employed the ATR 42, making it one of the most widely used regional turboprops of its class.

Technical Parameters of the ATR 42-600 (latest model)

• Role: Regional turboprop airliner

• Crew: 2 pilots (plus cabin crew depending on configuration)

• Passenger capacity: Typically 42–50 passengers

Dimensions

• Length: 74 ft 6 in (22.68 m)

• Wingspan: 80 ft 7 in (24.57 m)

• Height: 24 ft 11 in (7.57 m)

• Wing area: 541 sq ft (50.3 m²)

Weights

• Empty weight: ~11,000 kg (24,250 lb)

• Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW): 18,600 kg (41,005 lb)

• Maximum landing weight: 18,300 kg (40,345 lb)

• Maximum zero-fuel weight: 17,000 kg (37,480 lb)

Powerplant

• 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M turboprop engines

• Power output: ~2,400 shp (1,790 kW) each

• Propellers: Six-bladed Hamilton Standard propellers, variable pitch

Performance

• Maximum speed: 300 knots (345 mph, 555 km/h)

• Cruise speed: 270 knots (310 mph, 500 km/h)

• Range with full payload: ~800 nautical miles (1,480 km)

• Ferry range: ~1,500 nautical miles (2,780 km)

• Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,620 m)

• Takeoff distance at MTOW: ~3,800 ft (1,160 m)

• Landing distance: ~3,450 ft (1,050 m)

Avionics

• Modern glass cockpit with five LCD screens

• Flight management system (FMS) with GPS navigation

• Automatic flight control system (AFCS)

• Enhanced vision and synthetic vision options in later models

Variants

• ATR 42-300: Original production version with PW120 engines.

• ATR 42-320: Improved takeoff performance with PW121 engines.

• ATR 42-500: Enhanced comfort, new interior, better performance.

• ATR 42-600: Current production model with advanced avionics and PW127M engines.

• ATR 42 Freighter / Quick Change: Cargo-focused versions with large cargo doors.

Legacy

The ATR 42 has established itself as a dependable workhorse in regional aviation. It balances economy, versatility, and ruggedness, making it especially well-suited to emerging markets and routes with lower passenger demand. With the introduction of the ATR 42-600, the aircraft continues to evolve with 21st-century avionics and environmental improvements, ensuring its relevance in a competitive global market.