ATR landed a pair of sales contracts for Series 600 turboprops equipped with new ClearVision enhanced vision system (EVS), covering a letter of intent for three ATR 72-600s from Guernsey-based Aurigny and a firm order for an ATR 42-600 from Bhutan’s Drukair. The contract with Drukair calls for delivery next July of the first the first Combined Vision System (CVS), which incorporates both the EVS and the Synthetic Vision System (SVS). The SVS generates images of obstacles and terrain using an extensive database.
An option on ATR’s latest avionics suite, Standard 3, ClearVision’s EVS uses an external camera to display an augmented outside-view in real-time to a head-mounted visor, worn by the pilot. Situated in the English Channel, Guernsey regularly experiences fog, often at short notice, leading to disruptions to flight operations. An ATR equipped with the ClearVision EVS addresses the resulting limited visibility and could have saved 50 percent of the forbidden landings (24 of 48) in Guernsey over the period of a year, according to the turboprop maker. Aurigny plans to replace its three ATR 72-500s with the new 72-600s equipped with EVS.
“Once we have the approval from the states of Guernsey to proceed, the entry into service of the new aircraft equipped with the new ClearVision system will reduce flight disruptions, which will be very good news for the people of Guernsey, who rely on air travel for essential connectivity,” said Aurigny CEO Mark Darby. “Beyond beating the fog, upgrading to the -600 series will also further enhance the operational efficiency of Aurigny.”
Drukair also operates in challenging environments, serving small airports in the Himalaya Mountains with ATR 42s since 2011. Certified last year, the ATR -600’s latest Standard 3 avionics includes RNP AR 0.3/0.3, which further enhances airfield accessibility and operational performance.
“Drukair’s decision to purchase the latest version of our product not only validates the versatility and operational efficiency of our -600 series aircraft, but also affirms the value of our policy of continuous development,” said ATR chief executive Christian Scherer. “Offering valuable solutions which have a genuine and immediate impact on our customer’s business will always be a priority for us at ATR.”