French-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR announced that the first phase of the process to convert its 42-600 model to STOL (Short Take-Off & Landing) is nearing completion. The aim of the project is to enable the aircraft to perform take-off and landing maneuvers on short runways.
While operating conditions always depend on variables such as weight and airfield altitude above sea level, the ATR 42-600 is not capable of taking off on runways shorter than 1,107 meters or landing on runways shorter than 966 meters. According to the company, the conversion will enable the aircraft to operate on runways up to 800 meters (2,625 feet) in length.
The first stage of the process began in November 2021 with work on the aircraft with the manufacturer’s serial number (MSN) 811 and registration F-WWLY. ATR expects to complete it later this month, following the first flight of the prototype.
The aircraft’s rear fuselage was reinforced, a new auto braking system was installed and the ground spoilers were modified to accommodate the need for reduced lift during short runway landings. All the computerized systems that control these elements were also upgraded.
Forty people worked on the first phase. Engineers, metal specialists, electricians, mechanics, logisticians and quality specialists were involved.
After the first flight, the second stage of the conversion will begin, according to Simone Stanchi, Director of the STOL Programme. The second stage is expected to last until the end of 2022. A new rudder will be installed to complete the full conversion of the aircraft. This will be followed by the certification campaign, a necessary requirement for any aircraft undergoing such a process.
The conversion will give the ATR 42-600 the ability to access hundreds of additional regional airports. Air Tahiti, which operates in French Polynesia, is the first airline interested in adding the STOL variant to its fleet.
See also: ATR continues its improvement plan
