Aircraft
ATR Eyes Hybrid-Electric Propulsion for New ‘Evo’ Turboprop
The Franco-Italian OEM is also exploring a new eco-design that includes new propellers as part of its drive to reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions.
ATR expects the new Evo family of turboprops to enter service in 2030. (Image: ATR)
ATR expects the new Evo family of turboprops to enter service in 2030. (Image: ATR)

Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR has secured the backing of its board and shareholders to analyze the feasibility of a next-generation turboprop that targets a 20 percent fuel and CO2 emissions reduction and “double-digit” lower operating and maintenance costs over the current generation ATRs. The new variant, dubbed ATR ’Evo’—short for evolution or evolve—will span the entire ATR family, consisting of the ATR 42, which can seat up to 50 passengers; the larger ATR 72-600 and its freighter sibling, the ATR 72F; and the short take-off and landing ATR 42S, now under development.