ATP freighter programme moves into new phase

ATP freighter programme moves into new phase

Keywords: West Air, BAE Systems, Freight transport

The jointly funded programme between West Air Sweden AB and BAE Systems Aircraft Services Group to launch a freighter programme for the ATP regional airliner is reported to be taking major strides forward on a number of different fronts.

Since taking delivery last summer of the first three ATPs it bought from United Feeder Services, West Air has converted all of these aircraft (msn 2022,2034 and 2036) into an all-freight role with a complete re-configuration of the interior into an E-class cargo compartment (see Plate 1).

This conversion, which took place at West Air's Lidköping engineering and maintenance facility, involved 15 modifications to the ATP. In addition to the specific cargo conversion, there were modifications to the avionics system and the adaption of the aircraft from FAA to JAA regulations. All of these modifications have been developed by West Air.

  Plate 1West Air Sweden AB now has three ATPs in service as dedicated freighters, with three more aircraft to follow in the next few months. In parallel, progress is being made by West Air and BAE SYSTEMS on the jointly funded programme to produce a large cargo door variant of the ATP by the end of 2001

In particular, West Air, in conjunction with DAC International and Universal Avionics, has upgraded the ATP with the UNS-1 K Flight Management System. This installation, which includes the interface with flight deck displays and the autopilot, has achieved precision RNAV approval as well as the basic RNAV required this year. Due to West Air's success with this installation, BAE Systems has chosen the Universal FMS as the GPS-based BRNAV solution for the ATP in-service fleet.

West Air Sweden is also the first ATP operator to adopt the new increased design weight upgrade modifications for the aircraft, which increases the maximum take-off weight to 52,200lbs (23,678kg) and the maximum landing weight to 51,000lbs (23,133kg).

All three of these aircraft are now in service on West Air's internal Swedish overnight freight routes where they are augmenting the existing BAe 748 freighter fleet on a selected route-by-route basis as the airline gains experience with the aircraft. The ATP is said to offer 35 per cent more freight capacity and volume for a 10 per cent cost increase over the BAe 748, and has reportedly demonstrated near 100 per cent dispatch reliability.

West Air has also taken delivery of its fourth ex-UFS ATP (msn 2035) and this aircraft, having been converted to the freight role, entered into service in late April. Two other aircraft (msn 2020 and msn 2021) were delivered from the USA to Sweden in April.

Progress, we are informed, continues on schedule at BAE Systems Aircraft Services Group Prestwick facility (the design authority). Work at the facility is said to be well underway on the design of the freight door to permit the installation work to commence on the first aircraft, allowing certification and the issue of a service bulletin by the year end. The programme calls for this first fully completed aircraft to be ready by the end of 2001.

To cater for this increased ATPF engineering activity West Air embarked upon a major expansion of its hangar and workshop capability. In a co-funded programme with the local authority at Lidköping, a new 1,600m²hangar was constructed together with a further 1,000m² of workshops dedicated to the ATP freighter programme.

This new ATP Freighter Conversion Centre was completed by June this year and eventually will be capable of converting four ATPs a year to a big freight door configuration. Further expansion is said to be possible, if market demand justifies the investment.

With West Air already demonstrating the suitability of the ATP as a dedicated bulk freighter, the installation of a large freight door increases the flexibility of the aircraft and enables large individual freight items such as aero-engines to be transported as well as unit load devices such as LD3 and LD4 containers.

In addition, West Air is developing a tailor-made container for the ATP cabin to maximise use of the available volume. This, it is thought, will be particularly useful when the aircraft is operated in hub and spoke dedicated integrated networks.

The door is based upon the existing BAe 748 freight door and takes advantage of the extended fuselage to move the door aperture forward into the parallel fuselage section. The door is rearward sliding and has an aperture height of 67.75ins and an aperture width of 103.5ins.

The ATPF is stated to be the first new generation turboprop aircraft to come to the market with a large door installation programme that will result in an eight tonne freighter, whilst meeting all the environmental and economic needs of today's cargo market.

Further details are available from West Air Sweden AB. Tel: +46 31 70 30 451;Fax: + 46 31 70 30 455. Or contact BAE Systems. Tel: +33 5 34 60 73 47; Fax: +33 5 34 60 73 50.