ATR 72 Plane A Workhorse of the Skies

ATR 72 Aircraft Overview

The ATR 72 is a popular regional turboprop aircraft known for its versatility and efficiency. Developed jointly by Aérospatiale of France and Alenia Aermacchi of Italy, the ATR 72 has become a staple in regional and commuter airlines worldwide. Its design and development history, diverse variants, and impressive performance characteristics make it a compelling choice for operators seeking a reliable and cost-effective aircraft.

Design and Development History

The ATR 72’s development story is intertwined with its smaller sibling, the ATR 42. Both aircraft were designed to address the growing demand for regional air travel. The ATR 72 was conceived as a larger and more capable version of the ATR 42, with a stretched fuselage to accommodate more passengers. The first ATR 72 prototype took flight in 1988, and the aircraft entered service in 1990.

ATR 72 Variants

The ATR 72 has undergone several iterations over the years, resulting in a variety of variants, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key ATR 72 variants:

• ATR 72-200: The original ATR 72 model, introduced in 1990, features a capacity of 68 to 74 passengers. It’s powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 engines.
• ATR 72-500: Introduced in 2007, the ATR 72-500 features an updated interior, a glass cockpit with advanced avionics, and improved fuel efficiency. It can carry 68 to 74 passengers and is powered by PW127M engines.
• ATR 72-600: The latest iteration of the ATR 72, the ATR 72-600, was introduced in 2010. It features a new wing design, a more powerful PW127F engine, and a redesigned interior. It can carry up to 78 passengers.

Typical Applications

The ATR 72’s versatility and efficiency make it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, including:

• Regional Airlines: The ATR 72 is commonly used by regional airlines to connect smaller cities and towns to larger hubs. Its ability to operate from short and unpaved runways makes it ideal for serving remote destinations.
• Commuter Airlines: The ATR 72 is also popular among commuter airlines, which focus on short-haul flights between nearby cities. Its low operating costs make it a cost-effective option for this segment.
• Cargo Operations: The ATR 72 can be configured for cargo operations, carrying up to 7.5 tons of freight. Its high payload capacity and short takeoff and landing distances make it suitable for delivering goods to remote locations.
• Special Missions: The ATR 72 can be customized for various special missions, such as aerial surveillance, medical evacuation, and military transport.

Performance Characteristics

The ATR 72 is known for its impressive performance characteristics, making it a reliable and efficient aircraft:

• Range: The ATR 72’s range varies depending on the variant and configuration. The ATR 72-600, for instance, has a maximum range of around 1,500 nautical miles.
• Speed: The ATR 72’s cruise speed is typically around 280 knots (320 mph). Its turboprop engines offer a balance of speed and fuel efficiency.
• Payload Capacity: The ATR 72’s payload capacity varies depending on the variant. The ATR 72-600 can carry up to 7.5 tons of cargo or 78 passengers.

Comparison with Similar Aircraft

The ATR 72 competes with other regional turboprop aircraft, such as the Bombardier Q400 and the De Havilland Dash 8-400. These aircraft share similarities in terms of size and passenger capacity, but they differ in terms of engine type, performance characteristics, and overall design. The ATR 72 is generally known for its fuel efficiency, low operating costs, and versatility, making it a compelling option for operators seeking a cost-effective and reliable regional aircraft.

ATR 72 Technical Specifications and Features: Atr 72 Plane

The ATR 72 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed for regional air travel. It’s known for its fuel efficiency, short takeoff and landing capabilities, and comfortable passenger experience. Let’s dive into the technical specifications and features that make this aircraft stand out.

Technical Specifications, Atr 72 plane

Here’s a breakdown of the ATR 72’s key technical specifications:

Specification	Value
Length	27.15 m (89 ft 1 in)
Wingspan	27.05 m (88 ft 9 in)
Height	8.27 m (27 ft 2 in)
Empty Weight	13,400 kg (29,540 lb)
Maximum Takeoff Weight	23,000 kg (50,700 lb)
Engines	2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M
Seating Capacity	68-78 passengers
Cruise Speed	510 km/h (317 mph)
Range	1,500 km (932 mi)

Avionics System

The ATR 72 is equipped with a modern avionics system featuring advanced features such as:

• Glass cockpit: This provides pilots with a digital display of all essential flight information, improving situational awareness and reducing workload.
• Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS): This system integrates multiple flight instruments into a single display, simplifying flight operations and enhancing safety.
• Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B): This technology enables the aircraft to broadcast its position and other data to ground stations and other aircraft, enhancing airspace awareness and safety.
• Flight Management System (FMS): This system assists pilots in planning and executing flights, including navigation, fuel management, and performance optimization.
• Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS): This system alerts pilots to potential ground collisions during takeoff and landing, enhancing safety.

Safety Features

The ATR 72 has a strong safety record and incorporates several safety features, including:

• Redundant systems: Critical systems, such as flight controls and hydraulics, are designed with redundancy to ensure continued operation in the event of a failure.
• Emergency exits: The aircraft is equipped with multiple emergency exits to facilitate rapid evacuation in case of an emergency.
• Fire suppression systems: The aircraft is equipped with fire suppression systems in the engine compartments and passenger cabin to mitigate the risk of fire.
• Crashworthy seats: The seats are designed to minimize passenger injuries in the event of a crash.
• Advanced ground handling systems: These systems help pilots maintain control of the aircraft during takeoff, landing, and taxiing, enhancing safety.

Maintenance Procedures and Operational Costs

The ATR 72 is known for its relatively low maintenance costs and operational efficiency. Key aspects include:

• Simplified design: The aircraft’s design emphasizes simplicity and ease of maintenance, reducing downtime and costs.
• Advanced diagnostics: The aircraft is equipped with advanced diagnostics systems that help identify potential problems early, preventing major failures and reducing maintenance costs.
• Extensive support network: ATR provides a comprehensive support network for its aircraft, including spare parts, technical assistance, and training programs.
• Fuel efficiency: The turboprop engines and aerodynamic design of the ATR 72 contribute to its fuel efficiency, reducing operational costs.

Propulsion System

The ATR 72’s propulsion system is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M turboprop engines. Key components include:

• Turbine: This is the heart of the engine, where hot gas expands to generate power.
• Compressor: This component compresses air before it enters the combustion chamber.
• Combustion chamber: This is where fuel is burned, producing hot gas that drives the turbine.
• Propeller: This is a large, rotating blade that converts the engine’s power into thrust, propelling the aircraft forward.
• Reduction gearbox: This component reduces the engine’s high speed to a more manageable speed for the propeller.

Atr 72 plane – The ATR 72 is a popular regional turboprop aircraft known for its versatility and fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, the aircraft has also been involved in several high-profile accidents, including the ATR 72 crash that sparked a thorough investigation and led to new safety regulations.

Despite these incidents, the ATR 72 remains a reliable workhorse for many airlines around the world.

The ATR 72 is a popular regional turboprop plane, known for its versatility and fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, like any aircraft, it’s not immune to accidents, and there have been a number of tragic incidents involving the ATR 72, including a plane crash in Sao Paulo that shook the aviation world.

Despite these incidents, the ATR 72 remains a vital part of regional air travel, carrying passengers to destinations across the globe.