European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified for flights the cargo version of the ATR 72, the ATR-72-600F.
With this certification, the turboprop freighter is ready to enter service. French-Italian company ATR, received 30 firm orders from FedEx Express, plus 20 options, placed in November 2017.
The ATR 72-600F is the first ATR aircraft to be delivered directly from the assembly line in Toulouse in a freighter configuration. The first cargo turboprop is scheduled to be delivered to its owner by the end of 2020.
According to the manufacturer's release, the regional freighter has a wide cross section and a large cargo door that will allow the operator to transport bulk cargo as well as industry standard pallets, containers and reinforced floor s. The ATR 72-600F is also equipped with the latest avionics suite, designed to accommodate regular future upgrades.
Furthermore, having a maximum structural payload of 8,9 tons (19.600 lbs) and a cargo volume space of 75,5 cubic meters (2.666 cubic feet), compared to the Boeing 767 Freighter, the ATR 72-600F it can carry about 20 less weight and is about 6 times smaller, but capable of providing capacity for smaller regional deliveries.
The regional freighter completed its maiden flight on September 16, 2020. The aircraft took off from Saint-Martin in Toulouse, and performed a two-hour flight. During the flight, the onboard crew performed several diagnostic tests to measure the ATR's flight envelope and performance.
Source: Aerotimes.aero
