June 16 (Reuters) - ATR, the world's largest commercial

turboprop aircraft maker, and Pratt & Whitney Canada will

collaborate to develop propulsion technology aimed at reducing

fuel burn and maintenance costs, the companies said on Monday.

The companies will also look to study the feasibility of

hybrid electric propulsion for ATR's next-generation concept of

aircraft dubbed "EVO".

Franco-Italian ATR, jointly owned by Airbus and

Leonardo, is the dominant producer of regional

turboprop planes, with a family of aircraft seating 42 to 78

people.

Pratt & Whitney is U.S.-based RTX's engine-making

subsidiary.