ATR 42 | |
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A HOP! ATR 42-500 on final approach | |
Role | Turboprop Regional airliner |
National origin | France/Italy |
Manufacturer | ATR |
First flight | 16 August 1984 |
Introduction | 3 December 1985 |
Status | In service |
Primary users | FedEx Feeder Canadian North Silver Airways |
Produced | 1984–present |
Number built | 503[1] |
Developed into | ATR 52 (unbuilt) ATR 72 |
The ATR 42 is a regional airliner produced by Franco-Italian manufacturer ATR, with final assembly in Toulouse, France. On 4 November 1981, the aircraft was launched with ATR, as a joint venture between French Aérospatiale (now part of Airbus) and Aeritalia (now Leonardo S.p.A.). The ATR 42-300 performed its maiden flight on 16 August 1984 and type certification was granted during September 1985. Launch customer Air Littoral operated its first revenue-earning flight in December of that year.
The high-wing airliner is powered by two turboprop engines, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120s. The number "42" in its name is derived from the aircraft's original standard seating capacity of 42 passengers. Later variants are upgraded with new avionics, a glass cockpit, and newer engine versions. The ATR 42 is the basis for the stretched ATR 72, introduced in October 1989.