ATR 42
ATR (Aerospatiale / Alenia) · International (France / Italy) · first flew 1984 · airliner
The ATR 42 is a twin-turboprop regional airliner seating around 40 to 50 passengers, built by the Franco-Italian ATR partnership for short-haul routes.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Distinctive T-tail on a slim fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High straight wing with two turboprops
- Distinctive T-tail on a slim fuselage
- Ventral airstair door under the tail
Spot the high straight wing with two turboprops and, most tellingly, the tall T-tail. The slim fuselage sits low on short landing gear, and passengers board through a rear ventral airstair beneath the tail.
Specifications
- The ATR 42 has a length of 22.67 m (74 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 24.57 m (81 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 556 km/h (345 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (plus 1-2 cabin crew).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Aerospatiale and Aeritalia founded ATR to pool their regional turboprop efforts, and the ATR 42 made its first flight in 1984. Certification and airline service followed within about a year. The design was soon stretched into the larger ATR 72.
Variants
Successive series from the 42-300 through the 42-500 and current 42-600 brought more powerful engines, glass cockpits and cabin refinements. A short-field 42-600S version targets restricted runways. Freighter and quick-change conversions extend its utility.
Where you'll see it
Regional carriers across Europe, including UK-serving operators in the Highlands and Islands and Channel routes, have flown the type on thin short-haul sectors. It is prized for low operating costs and short-field capability. A handful serve in government and utility roles.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.