French-Italian manufacturer ATR continues its improvement plan for regional turboprops. With the publication of the third External Upgrades Catalog, it offers ten new enhancements for operators wishing to upgrade their aircraft.
The new solutions offer enhancements to the design and capabilities of the ATR42/72 platform. The main new features include the reconfiguration of the cockpit, entertainment systems and upgrades to the avionics suite. ATR operators will thus have access to a wide range of capabilities that will enhance the passenger experience and improve equipment performance.
The manufacturer is offering two types of enhancements to its products. On the one hand, it implements an internal program that offers customers operational improvements for their aircraft. On the other, in collaboration with its partners Aero Engineering Services, Akka Technologies, ECM Skyservices, Eirtech Aviation Services, PMV Engineering and Recaero, it also has an «external catalog» of authorized solutions – through supplemental type certificates – that add capabilities to the fleet according to each operator’s needs.
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The latest edition of that external catalog integrates more than 35 solutions that were designed to meet specific needs that customers have brought to the manufacturer’s attention. For example, an implementation to protect the underside of the fuselage is included, allowing the equipment to operate on unpaved runways.
Passenger cabin upgrades are also offered to allow the transport of oversized cargo, such as skis or surfboards. From the point of view of onboard connectivity, a satellite communication system has been installed to allow in-flight Internet access. This uses a class 7 L-band antenna, which connects via the Inmarsat network.
The next internal upgrade catalog (published by ATR) is scheduled for the end of 2022 and will integrate additional cumulative solutions to this catalog. This in line with the incremental developments strategy that the manufacturer implements for its turboprop family.
You can access the full catalog here.
