The ATR EVO, the new version of the turboprop that ATR intends to have in service by 2028, will be a state-of-the-art aircraft and definitely not outdated, despite being based on a forty-year-old design. The airframer will include various technological innovations, including mild-hybrid propulsion, says Stephane Viala, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Head of Design Organization. AirInsight sat with him during the Farnborough Airshow to discuss the EVO. ‘ATR EVO will be a state-of-the-art and innovative turboprop’.
ATR announced the plans for the EVO on May 18, issuing a press release, computer animations, and a video of the updated version of the 72-600 on which it is based. It said then that the aircraft would be officially launched in 2023 for entry into service at the end of the decade, later specified as 2028-2029. First, the French/Italian company owned by Airbus and Leonardo would issue a request for information with engine makers for a new engine to replace the recently introduced Pratt & Whitney PW127-XT.
Active as a journalist since 1987, with a background in newspapers, magazines, and a regional news station, Richard has been covering commercial aviation on a freelance basis since late 2016.
Richard is contributing to AirInsight since December 2018. He also writes for Airliner World, Aviation News, Piloot & Vliegtuig, and Luchtvaartnieuws Magazine. Twitter: @rschuur_aero.
