{"url":"https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/atrs-hybrid-electric-upgrade-plan-gains-traction","title":"ATR's hybrid-electric turboprop upgrade gains EU project momentum.","domain":"aviationweek.com","imageUrl":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/27584907/pexels-photo-27584907.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","pexelsSearchTerm":"hybrid turboprop aircraft","category":"Culture","language":"en","slug":"cb399455","id":"cb399455-970d-4463-a091-5db7f77312b7","description":"ATR plans first flight of hybrid-electric demonstrator in 2029 using modified ATR 72-600.","summary":"## TL;DR\n- ATR plans first flight of hybrid-electric demonstrator in 2029 using modified ATR 72-600.\n- Participation in EU Clean Aviation projects like HERACLES and DEMETRA drives the upgrade for EVO regional turboprop.\n- Effort signals overdue renewal for regional turboprops amid push for lower emissions.[[1]](https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/atrs-hybrid-electric-upgrade-plan-gains-traction)\n\n## The story at a glance\nATR's hybrid-electric upgrade for its regional turboprops, centered on the EVO concept, is gaining momentum through EU Clean Aviation projects. The company leads HERACLES for concept definition and DEMETRA for flight demonstration on a modified ATR 72-600, targeting first flight in 2029. This follows project kick-offs in early 2026 and recent ground tests in related efforts like PHARES by Pratt & Whitney Canada. The focus comes as ATR prepares production ramp-up and eyes a 2029 decision on EVO feasibility.[[1]](https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/atrs-hybrid-electric-upgrade-plan-gains-traction)[[2]](https://www.safran-group.com/news/launch-osyrys-key-clean-aviation-project-next-generation-regional-aircraft-2026-02-16)[[3]](https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-02-19/atr-commits-hybrid-regional-airliner-decision-2029)\n\n## Key points\n- ATR prepares hybrid-electric demonstrator first flight in 2029 on modified **ATR 72-600** testbed, integrating hybrid propulsion, high-performance batteries, and 100% SAF-compatible thermal engine.[[1]](https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/atrs-hybrid-electric-upgrade-plan-gains-traction)\n- Leads two Clean Aviation projects: **HERACLES** defines ultra-efficient regional aircraft concept with advanced propellers and more-electric architecture; **DEMETRA** validates via flight tests.[[2]](https://www.safran-group.com/news/launch-osyrys-key-clean-aviation-project-next-generation-regional-aircraft-2026-02-16)[[3]](https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-02-19/atr-commits-hybrid-regional-airliner-decision-2029)\n- Related **PHARES** project by Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace (RTX) designs hybrid system with minimal ATR 72 engine installation changes; ground demos of high-voltage power systems completed.[[4]](https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/european-project-demos-high-voltage-power-system-hybrid-aircraft)[[5]](https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/rtx-targets-minor-changes-atr-72-hybrid-electric-installation)\n- **OSYRYS** by Safran handles power generation, distribution, thermal management; four projects kicked off January 2026 with €340 million total investment.[[2]](https://www.safran-group.com/news/launch-osyrys-key-clean-aviation-project-next-generation-regional-aircraft-2026-02-16)\n- Targets 30% CO2 reduction for 50-100 seat aircraft by 2035 entry-into-service, supporting ATR's 2029 EVO go/no-go decision.[[3]](https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-02-19/atr-commits-hybrid-regional-airliner-decision-2029)[[6]](https://theaircurrent.com/aircraft-development/atr-2029-evo-decision-hybrid-pw130-strategy)\n\n## Details and context\nThe article frames ATR's Clean Aviation work as a potential turning point for regional turboprops, stagnant amid jet competition and emission pressures. EVO builds on the ATR 72 platform with mild hybridization—electric boost for takeoff/climb, downsized thermal engine for cruise—plus lighter structures and extended maintenance to cut costs 20%.[[1]](https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/atrs-hybrid-electric-upgrade-plan-gains-traction)[[7]](https://www.atr-aircraft.com/innovation/atr-evo-concept)\n\nProjects launched after selection in September 2025, with kick-offs in January 2026; EU funds €140 million, partners add €200 million in-kind. Recent milestones include high-voltage power ground demos paving way for ATR-led flight tests.[[2]](https://www.safran-group.com/news/launch-osyrys-key-clean-aviation-project-next-generation-regional-aircraft-2026-02-16)[[4]](https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/european-project-demos-high-voltage-power-system-hybrid-aircraft)\n\nATR delayed EVO from earlier 2030 goals due to tech maturity but now commits to 2029 demo and decision, aligning with limited turboprop market growth.[[6]](https://theaircurrent.com/aircraft-development/atr-2029-evo-decision-hybrid-pw130-strategy)\n\n## Key quotes\n> “Clean Aviation offers us the perfect platform to work hand-in-hand with strategic partners on maturing the technologies that will be essential for our future Evo concept.”[[3]](https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-02-19/atr-commits-hybrid-regional-airliner-decision-2029)\n— Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR CEO (February 2026)\n\n## Why it matters\nRegional aviation needs lower-emission options to meet 2035 regulations and compete with efficient jets. Operators gain from 30% less CO2, 20% lower costs, full SAF use on proven ATR platforms, aiding short-route networks. Watch 2029 flight tests and EVO decision, as battery/tech progress could confirm timeline or prompt delays.","hashtags":["#aviation","#hybrid-electric","#clean-aviation","#atr","#evo","#turboprop"],"sources":[{"url":"https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/atrs-hybrid-electric-upgrade-plan-gains-traction","title":"Original article"},{"url":"https://www.safran-group.com/news/launch-osyrys-key-clean-aviation-project-next-generation-regional-aircraft-2026-02-16","title":""},{"url":"https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-02-19/atr-commits-hybrid-regional-airliner-decision-2029","title":""},{"url":"https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/european-project-demos-high-voltage-power-system-hybrid-aircraft","title":""},{"url":"https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/rtx-targets-minor-changes-atr-72-hybrid-electric-installation","title":""},{"url":"https://theaircurrent.com/aircraft-development/atr-2029-evo-decision-hybrid-pw130-strategy","title":""},{"url":"https://www.atr-aircraft.com/innovation/atr-evo-concept","title":""}],"viewCount":2,"publishedAt":"2026-04-09T05:41:02.640Z","createdAt":"2026-04-09T05:41:02.640Z","articlePublishedAt":"2026-04-08T08:00:00.000Z"}