ATR freighter takes flight

What is essentially the world’s first purpose-built turboprop regional freighter aircraft has flown.

The ATR 72-600F is unique in that whilst it is a derivative of the highly successful ATR line, the new aircraft represents a purpose-built spin-off. ATR freighters already in service are always modified passenger aircraft.

The flight took place last Wednesday (16 September) from the ATR Saint-Martin site and lasted two hours. During the flight, crew on-board performed a number of tests to measure the new aircraft’s flight envelope and flight performance.

The first delivery of this aircraft will be to FedEx, the world’s largest cargo airline and express transportation company, who placed a firm order for 30 aircraft, plus 20 options, in November 2017.

The brand-new freighter series will offer a number of unique advantages to operators. With a large cargo door, the aircraft accommodates bulk cargo and industry-standard pallets and containers. The aircraft will also provide operators with the very latest avionics suite, which can be continuously upgraded. This effectively futureproofs the -600F’s state-of-the-art cockpit by allowing cargo airlines to take benefit from future innovations, which will further enhance the aircraft’s efficiency.  Total cargo capacity is a payload capacity18,077lb.

www.atraircraft.com

www.fedex.com

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Chris Pocock, Uxbridge

The ATR-600F is not the first purpose-built turboprop freighter. What about the CASA 212 (over 100 delivered to commericial operators), the Cessna 208 Caravan for FedEx, and the SA227T Expediter for UPS and DHL ?