A new engine and a new eight-blade propeller: ATR responds to the new competition from Embraer’s turboprop aircraft with a new generation of aircraft called Evo.
“I believe that there is great potential in the turboprop market,” explained John Slattery in 2019. The then head of Embraer’s civil aircraft division said the technology of the planes currently available was around 30 years old. They offer neither a comfortable passenger experience nor are they optimized for the “requirements of climate and environmental protection”. By that he meant, without naming them, the competitors ATR and De Havilland Canada.
So the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer decided to build his History once started with the fan gun EMB 110 Bandeirante had to return to this market after a long break. The new aircraft is unofficially called E3, internally also Brasilhão. The project name is TPNG, which stands for Turboprop Next Generation. Late 2027 or early 2028 the plane should be put into service. Now ATR is responding to the new competition from Embraer.
Eight instead of six propeller blades
The Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer announced on Wednesday (May 18) a new generation of aircraft called ATR Evo, it will be a kind of ATR Neo. “When it comes to market, it will pave the way for a zero-carbon future in aviation,” said ATR CEO Stefano Bortoli. “Key benefits include a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy and 100 percent SAF compatibility.” SAF stands for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, i.e. for sustainable aviation fuel.
The ATR Evo should be ready in 2030. It will get new engines and new propellers that have eight blades instead of the previous six. ATR also wants to upgrade the cabin and various technical systems of the aircraft. The manufacturer promises operating cost savings in the two-digit range, in particular due to the 20 percent lower fuel consumption and a 20 percent reduction in maintenance costs.
Engine manufacturer requested
“We made an inquiry to the most important engine manufacturers for the development of the new engine,” says ATR Technical Director Stéphane Viala. This also means that the aircraft manufacturer will no longer be satisfied with Pratt & Whitney Canada’s new PW127XT engine, which the aircraft manufacturer presented as an improvement in 2021.
ATR did not comment on further details such as range or passenger capacity of the Evo. Meanwhile, one thing is clear: It will not be the first aircraft with the nickname Evo. Piaggio has been calling the current generation of their P180 Avanti for years P180 Avanti Evo.
In the picture gallery above you can take a first look at the ATR Evo.