ATR, the regional aircraft manufacturer, has announced the successful first flight of the partially configured STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) variant of its ATR 42-600 aircraft. The flight took off at 10:00 am local time from Francazal airport and lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes. The crew on board performed a number of tests to measure the upgraded aircraft systems’ performance.
Following the successful completion of this first flight, new functionalities will be tested one at a time, starting with the MFC-NG (Multifunctional Computer New Generation), followed by the Autobrake, Ground Spoiler, and increased take off rating systems.
The aircraft will enter its final configuration at the end of the year with the addition of a new larger rudder and move on to the certification phase in 2023. To-date, ATR has recorded 20 commitments from airlines and lessors for this ATR 42-600S.
