ATR 72 TYPE RATING is a larger version of the ATR 42, a regional turboprop airliner developed by ATR (Aerei da Trasporto Regionale), a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo. The ATR 72 is designed for regional short-haul flights, providing airlines with an efficient aircraft for routes that have a moderate passenger demand, and it’s known for its versatility and low operating costs. The ATR 72 has been a popular choice for regional airlines worldwide, offering greater capacity than the ATR 42.
Key Features of the ATR 72:
- First Flight: October 27, 1988.
- Entry into Service: 1989.
- Manufacturer: ATR (Aerei da Trasporto Regionale).
- Capacity:
- Typically seats between 70 to 78 passengers in a single-class configuration.
- Some variants can seat up to 80 passengers.
- Engine: The ATR 72 is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 turboprop engines.
- Wingspan: 27.05 meters (88 feet 9 inches).
- Length: 27.17 meters (89 feet 2 inches).
- Height: 7.65 meters (25 feet 1 inch).
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 22,800 kg (50,300 lbs).
- Cruising Speed: Approximately 510 km/h (316 mph).
- Range: Around 1,500 to 1,600 kilometers (930 to 1,000 miles), depending on the specific model and load.
Design and Performance:
- Turboprop Engines: Like the ATR 42, the ATR 72 is powered by turboprop engines, offering better fuel efficiency and lower operating costs for shorter regional flights.
- Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL): The ATR 72 can operate from smaller airports with short runways, making it suitable for less-developed regions and remote areas with limited infrastructure.
- Passenger Comfort: The ATR 72 offers a comfortable and efficient cabin, with seating configurations designed to maximize capacity while maintaining comfort for passengers.
Variants:
- ATR 72-200: The original version introduced in 1989, seating around 70 passengers. This version is no longer in production but served as the base for the later developments.
- ATR 72-500: Introduced in the late 1990s, the ATR 72-500 featured improvements in fuel efficiency, avionics, and cabin comfort. This became the most widely used model.
- ATR 72-600: The most recent variant, introduced in the 2010s, includes modernized cockpit systems with glass cockpits, more fuel-efficient engines (Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M), quieter cabins, and updated interiors. The 600 series offers better performance, greater efficiency, and lower operating costs than earlier models.
Operational Uses:
The ATR 72 is primarily used by regional airlines around the world, and its versatility allows it to serve a range of roles:
- Regional Passenger Transport: It’s widely used for regional routes, serving destinations that are too small for larger jets but still have enough passenger traffic to justify commercial service.
- Freight: Some ATR 72s are used for cargo transport, either in dedicated freighter configurations or in combination with passenger transport.
- Charter and Special Operations: The aircraft is also used in charter services and other specialized missions, such as aerial survey work, firefighting, or humanitarian operations.
Legacy and Popularity:
The ATR 72 has been one of the most successful regional turboprop airliners in the world. As of 2023, over 1,600 units have been produced and operated worldwide. It is a workhorse in regional aviation, known for its low operating costs, fuel efficiency, and ability to operate in challenging environments.
Airlines appreciate the ATR 72 for its ability to provide cost-effective service on regional routes, especially those with smaller airports or less-developed infrastructure. It is also more environmentally friendly than many regional jets, as turboprop engines generally have a smaller carbon footprint per seat on short-haul flights.
The ATR 72 continues to be in production and use, and its newer versions, like the ATR 72-600, are equipped with modern technologies, helping it remain a relevant and effective aircraft in the regional aviation market.