ATR 42-600 makes its successful first flight

The aircraft, powered with Pratt & Whitney 127M engines, took off at 3.00 pm (local time) and completed a 2-hour flight, thus starting a flight test campaign of approximately 75 hours. Among other checks, the aircraft underwent tests regarding performance of the engines and well-functioning of its specifically developed new avionics, which integrates the newest computer systems and software for navigational aids, flight data recording, automatic piloting and communications. Pilots also tested h ydraulic and electrical systems and blades balancing.

The high degree of commonality between the ATR 72 and the ATR 42 will enable the ATR 42-600 to benefit from certain tests completed by the ATR 72-600, whose 150-hour flight campaign started in July 2009. Both ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 will entry into service in 2011.

Launched in October 2007, the new ATR ‘-600’ series follows its development phase according to the schedule planned for both aircraft types. To date , ATR has recorded firm orders for 59 of these aircraft (5 ATR 42-600s and 54 ATR 72-600s).