대만, ATR-42 8기 구매 추진

[위종민]

대만 공군이 VIP 수송 등의 임무에 활용중인 포커 F50 3기와 비치크래프트 1900C 11기를 ATR-42 8기로 교체하려고 하네요. 

포커 F50은 1988년, 1900C는 1992년에 도입됐다고 합니다. 

대만, ATR 42 항공기 도입 계획 중인 것으로 알려져

Roy Choo

2026년 7월 1일

대만은 중화민국 공군의 행정 수송 임무를 수행하기 위해 ATR 42 기체를 구매할 것으로 보인다. (ATR)

대만 공군은 노후화된 Fokker 50 3대와 Beechcraft 1900C 11대를 대체하기 위해 최소 8대의 ATR 42-600 쌍발 터보프롭 항공기 구매를 계획 중인 것으로 알려졌다.

두 기종은 현재 중화민국 공군(ROCAF)의 특별 수송기 전력을 구성하고 있으며, 주로 행정 수송 임무에 사용되고 있다.

Beechcraft 1900C 2대는 항법 지원시설 시험 및 교정용으로 개조됐으며, 또 다른 1대는 예비 수송기 조종사의 다발엔진 훈련을 위해 비행훈련사령부에 배정되어 있다.

Fokker 50과 Beechcraft 1900C는 각각 1988년과 1992년에 도입됐으며, 운용 수명의 후반부에 접어들고 있다. 특히 Fokker 50은 전 세계 운용 기체 수가 줄어들면서 유지 운용에 점점 더 큰 어려움을 겪을 가능성이 있다.

업계 소식통을 인용한 내용에 따르면 ATR 42가 선정된 주요 요인 가운데 하나는 더 크고 동체가 연장된 파생형인 ATR 72가 이미 대만 현지 지역 항공사들에서 운용되고 있으며, 이에 따라 정비 및 지원 네트워크가 구축되어 있다는 점이다.

중화민국 공군이 최종적으로 ATR 42와 ATR 72를 혼합한 기단을 선택할 가능성도 있다. 이 경우 ATR 72는 최대 30명 더 많은 승객을 수용할 수 있어 더 큰 탑재 능력을 활용할 수 있다. 또한 중화민국 공군은 일부 ATR 기체를 콤비 구성으로 개조해 승객과 화물을 함께 실을 수 있도록 객실을 유연하게 재구성할 수도 있다.

경수송 능력은 수십 년 동안 예산이 배정되지 않은 중화민국 공군의 요구사항으로 남아 있었으며, 화물을 실을 수 있는 ATR 기단은 이러한 능력 공백을 부분적으로 보완할 수 있다. 이는 대만 전역에서 인원 및 화물 수송 임무에 자주 투입되는 C-130H 기단의 부담을 줄이는 데도 도움이 될 수 있다.

ATR이 Beechcraft 1900C의 항법 지원시설 교정 및 훈련 임무까지 맡게 될지는 알려지지 않았다. 현재 대체 사업은 이 단계에서 수송 임무에 초점을 맞추고 있는 것으로 이해되며, Beechcraft 1900C는 두 전문 임무를 위해 계속 운용될 가능성이 있다.

수송기 전력과 관련해, 최근 정황으로는 중화민국 공군이 Lockheed Martin C-130J 10대를 도입할 수 있으며, 현재 보유 중인 C-130H 수송기 19대 가운데 8대는 계속 운용하면서 부분 개량을 받을 가능성이 있다.

별도로 대만이 도입하는 MQ-9B SkyGuardian 무인항공기 4대 가운데 첫 번째 2대가 6월 대만에 도착했으며, 제조사인 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems가 시험을 진행 중이다.

긴 체공시간과 크게 향상된 정보·감시·정찰(ISR) 능력을 갖춘 MQ-9B는 대만의 공중 ISR 능력에 단계적인 변화를 가져올 것이다.

Roy Choo

Taiwan reportedly plans ATR 42 aircraft acquisition - Asian Military Review

Taiwan reportedly plans ATR 42 aircraft acquisition

By

 Roy Choo

 -

July 1, 2026

It is believed that Taiwan will purchase ATR 42 airframes to fulfil an administrative transport role in the ROCAF. (ATR)

Taiwan’s air force is allegedly planning the purchase of at least eight ATR 42-600 twin-engine turboprop aircraft to replace its three aging Fokker 50 and eleven Beechcraft 1900C aircraft.

Both aircraft types currently comprise the special transport aircraft fleet of the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF), and they are used primarily for administrative transport duties.

Two Beechcraft 1900Cs have been modified for testing and calibrating navigation aids, while another is assigned to the Flight Training Command for multi-engine training of prospective transport pilots.

The Fokker 50 and Beechcraft 1900C entered service in 1988 and 1992 respectively, and they are approaching the latter stages of their operational lives. The Fokker 50s in particular may face increasing sustainment challenges as the global fleet declines.

Citing industry sources, a key factor in selection of the ATR 42 is that its larger, stretched version – the ATR 72 – is already operated by local regional airlines, with an established sustainment and support network in place.

It is possible the ROCAF could eventually opt for a mixed ATR 42 and ATR 72 fleet, taking advantage of the latter’s greater capacity where it can accommodate up to 30 more passengers. The ROCAF could also convert some ATRs to a combi configuration, utilising a flexible cabin that can be reconfigured to carry a mix of passengers and freight.

A light transport capability has remained an unfunded ROCAF requirement for decades, and an ATR fleet capable of carrying cargo could partially address that capability gap. This could also help ease the burden on its C-130H fleet, which is routinely tasked with personnel and cargo transport missions around Taiwan.

It is unknown whether the ATR will also assume the Beechcraft 1900C’s navigation aid calibration and training roles. It is understood the current replacement programme is focused on the transport mission at this stage, with the Beechcraft 1900C potentially being retained for both specialist roles.

Also on the transport front, the latest indications are that the ROCAF could acquire ten Lockheed Martin C-130Js, while eight of its 19 C-130H transports would be retained and potentially undergo a partial upgrade.

Separately, the first of two batches of Taiwan’s four MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles arrived in the country in June, and they are undergoing testing by manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.

With its long endurance and significantly enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, the MQ-9B will provide a step change in Taiwan’s airborne ISR capability.

by Roy Choo