[2][3] ATR announced the project in April 1992[2][3] and undertook a market survey among prospective customers.
[2][3] At the time of the announcement, ATR estimated the world market for the military transport to be around 230 aircraft over the next ten years,[3] and the development cost to be around $180 million.
[3] The CEO of ATR, Henri-Paul Puel said that the company was looking for risk sharing partners to contribute about 50% of that amount.
[3] By the end of 1992, estimated worldwide demand had climbed to 400 aircraft,[4] and orders from India, South Africa, and Romania appeared forthcoming, accounting for around 20 units.
[4] The rear passenger doors were to be modified in a similar way to the ATR 42M to allow for paratroop deployment, with the aircraft able to carry 41 such troops.