ATR 52
| Company type | Proposed aircraft model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 1990s |
| Products | Military transport aircraft, regional airliner (proposed) |
The ATR 52 was envisioned as a military transport and a 50-seat regional airliner designed to broaden the product range of ATR. Throughout the 1990s, its development progressed; however, the program ultimately did not attract enough customer interest to proceed. Over time, the design transitioned from an extended version of the ATR 42 to a shortened variant of the ATR 72.
Design and development
In line with ATR’s family design principles, the ATR 52 adopted a high-wing cantilever monoplane configuration featuring a T-tail. It was equipped with two turboprop engines mounted on the wings, each driving tractor propellers. The aircraft incorporated retractable tricycle landing gear, with the main gear retracting into sponsons attached to the fuselage.
First revealed in April 1992, ATR undertook market research aimed at both civil and military sectors. Initially described as a lengthened ATR 42 by , it also included an enlarged dorsal fin to enhance stability. The military version, named ATR 52C, was designed with a rear cargo ramp, roller tracks, and fittings for cargo nets, enabling it to carry three pallets or five LD3 containers. A medevac configuration could accommodate up to 24 stretchers.
The passenger variant was planned to seat 50 occupants arranged four abreast. Its success depended on agreements preventing competition within the Regioliner consortium and collaboration with the Dornier 328 program.
ATR projected a worldwide military transport demand of approximately 230 units over ten years, with development expenses estimated around $180 million. The company sought partners willing to share about half of these costs. Production was proposed at Alenia’s Capodichino facility for the military model and at Aérospatiale in Toulouse for the civilian version.
A distinctive feature was the rear cargo ramp, which aimed to overcome previous challenges such as losing a French Air Force contract to the ramp-equipped CASA CN-235, while competitors like the Fokker 50 lacked this functionality.
By late 1992, anticipated demand had increased to roughly 400 aircraft, with preliminary orders from India, South Africa, and Romania totaling about 20 units. In 1993, the design was revised to incorporate a shortened ATR 72-210 fuselage by , subject to weight considerations related to the rear ramp. Modifications for paratrooper deployment allowed transport of up to 41 soldiers.
Interest from potential customers expanded to include Australia, Thailand, and Taiwan; nevertheless, no launch partner had been confirmed by the end of the decade. As of 2010, no ATR 52 aircraft had entered production.
Bibliography
- Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1992-93, Jane's Information Group, 1992.
- Пассажирский самолет ATR-72-200. Летно-технические характеристики, RIA Novosti, 2012.
- Penney, Stewart. Military Aircraft Directory Part 1, Flight Global, 1999.
- Petrykowski, Michał. ATR 25 turbośmigłowego sukcesu, Lotwictno, 2010.
- Sedbon, Gilbert. ATR considers stretching ATR42, Flight International, 1992.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation, Studio Editions, 1993.
- Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1993-94, Jane's Information Group, 1993.