17 Jul 2002
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft and West Air Sweden announced today that the first flight of the large cargo door ATP freighter took place on Wednesday July 10 from West Air Sweden's Lidkping facility.
This 'shake-down' flight was followed by the main test flight on July 11 lasting just under three hours with all performance parameters reported as being well within their envelopes. The aircraft is now scheduled to make its international debut at the Farnborough International 2002 Air Show.
The ATPF had undergone a full conversion programme at Lidkping jointly funded by BAE Systems and West Air Sweden. Under this programme, BAE Systems at Prestwick, Scotland (the design authority) has been responsible for the freight door design and creation of a Service Bulletin while West Air Sweden has manufactured and installed the door.
The simple sliding design of the door gives a 104" wide x 68" high aperture and allows the loading of standard LD3 and LD4 containers and also pallets. Typically up to 7 or 8 LD3s or 5 LD4s can be carried, together with pallets, making the aircraft fully compatible with the integrated freight transport systems used by major airlines and the international parcels carriers.
West Air Sweden has already converted five other ATPs into a bulk freight configuration with a Class E cargo interior, fitted with smoke detection, smoke barrier, cabin liners and zoned restraint nets. These aircraft are used on an intensive overnight mail service for the Swedish Post Office, where the mail is loaded on to the aircraft using the standard passenger doors.
As a dedicated freighter, the ATPF brings second generation turboprop economics, outstanding environmental credentials and 8 tonne cargo capacity to the regional cargo market, providing growth opportunities for airlines and permitting the replacement of some of the 250 older and less efficient 5-6 tonne turboprop freighters that are now facing more stringent noise and emissions standards.
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft manages a portfolio of 40 ATPs, all or some of which could be available for conversion to freighters over time to provide for a longer term lease revenue stream to the company. In addition, there are a further 20 ATPs in service outside BAE Systems' lease portfolio and these too could be candidates for conversion
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around 13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs, manufacturers and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapons systems and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.
For further information please contact:
Nick Godwin,
BAE Systems Aircraft Services Group
Tel: +33 (0) 5 34 60 73 47
nick.godwin@baesystems.com
www.regional-services.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605
Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com
Ref: 133/2002
