Colombia Eyes Acquisition of Two New ATR 42 Turboprop Transport Aircraft for Its Air Assault Division.

According to an article from the Spanish journal InfoDefensa dated May 20, 2024, Colombia is interested in acquiring two ATR (Airbus, Leonardo) 42-500/600 aircraft for the Aviation and Air Assault Division (DAVAA) of its army. The intention is to strengthen the force’s means and infrastructure nationwide to transport troops, equipment, or supplies from the center of the country to any region (particularly the south and southwest) quickly and safely.

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ATR-42/600 Turboprop Transport Aircraft (Picture source: ATR)

The interest in this model also lies in its low operating costs and the ease of obtaining spare parts for these aircraft, which are equipped with PW127M class engines and systems allowing quick conversion from passenger to cargo configuration and vice versa, as well as reinforced doors.

It is worth noting that ATR-42s are operated in Colombia by the Police Air Service, the Naval Aviation Command, the national airline Satena, and the commercial airline Avianca, with a total of approximately more than 20 units of these aircraft.

The ATR 42-600 is recognized for its diversity and strong customer base. Used in more than 100 countries, it serves over 1,300 airports and opens more than 100 new routes worldwide each year. With over 1,600 aircraft delivered and operated by 200 airlines.

The ATR 42-600 offers comfort with a capacity of 30 to 50 seats, providing generous personal space and large overhead bins. It is the most modern aircraft in its category, suitable for unpaved airfields, short and narrow runways, and extreme environments. Its advanced avionics, continuously developed, provide high-tech functionalities.

The ATR 42-600 stands out for its unrivaled accessibility to challenging airports, such as those at high altitudes or with short runways. Equipped with new PW127XT engines from Pratt & Whitney Canada, it offers unbeatable economic performance with a 30% reduction in fuel consumption compared to similar-sized regional jets. Additionally, its direct maintenance costs are reduced by 20%, and its operating costs are 50% lower.

The ATR 42-600 is characterized by its low environmental footprint, emitting 93 grams of CO2 per seat-kilometer and only 2.3 kilograms of NOx per takeoff and landing cycle. It also complies with the noise standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with a noise margin of -11.4 EPNdB compared to ICAO Chapter 14 certification.

In standard configuration, the ATR 42-600 has 48 seats with a pitch of 30 inches. For ground performance, the takeoff field length at maximum takeoff weight (MTOW-ISA) is 1,107 meters at sea level and 1,040 meters for takeoff with a maximum passenger load over 300 NM (ISA +10). The landing field length at maximum landing weight (MLW-ISA) is 966 meters.

The ATR 42-600's PW127XT-M engine provides 2,400 SHP, allowing a climb speed of 160 KCAS and a maximum cruise speed of 289 KTAS at FL240. Fuel consumption in cruise is 620 kg/h, with a one-engine-out net ceiling of 3,960 meters. The aircraft has a maximum range with passengers of 726 NM.

The ATR 42-600 has a maximum takeoff weight of 18,600 kg and a maximum landing weight of 18,300 kg. Its typical operational empty weight is 11,750 kg, with a maximum payload of 5,250 kg and a maximum fuel capacity of 4,500 kg.