ATR 72 Aircraft Overview
The ATR 72 is a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner manufactured by ATR, a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo. This aircraft has been a staple in the regional aviation industry since its introduction in 1989, undergoing several upgrades and refinements over the years. It has become a popular choice for airlines operating short-haul routes due to its fuel efficiency, versatility, and operational cost-effectiveness.
History and Development
The ATR 72 is a direct descendant of the ATR 42, a smaller turboprop aircraft introduced in 1985. The ATR 72 was developed to cater to the growing demand for larger regional aircraft with greater passenger capacity and payload. The first ATR 72 prototype flew in 1988, and the aircraft entered commercial service in 1989. Since then, ATR has continuously upgraded the ATR 72 with new engines, avionics, and cabin interiors, ensuring its continued relevance in the evolving regional aviation market.
Technical Specifications, Atr 72 plane
The ATR 72 is a versatile aircraft with a range of variants, each tailored for specific operational needs. The following table summarizes the key technical specifications of the ATR 72-600 series, the latest generation of the aircraft:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 27.19 m (89.2 ft) |
| Wingspan | 27.05 m (88.7 ft) |
| Height | 8.28 m (27.2 ft) |
| Empty weight | 13,500 kg (29,762 lb) |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 23,000 kg (50,706 lb) |
| Engines | 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127F |
| Seating capacity | 70-78 passengers |
| Maximum cruise speed | 513 km/h (319 mph) |
| Range | 1,500 km (932 mi) |
Key Features and Innovations
The ATR 72 is known for its robust design, reliable performance, and advanced features that contribute to its popularity among regional airlines. Some of the key features and innovations that make the ATR 72 a compelling choice include:
- Fuel efficiency: The ATR 72 is renowned for its exceptional fuel efficiency, a significant advantage in an industry focused on cost optimization. Its turboprop engines consume less fuel than jet engines, making it an economical option for airlines operating short-haul routes.
- Versatility: The ATR 72 is designed for versatility, capable of operating from short, unpaved runways, making it suitable for serving remote destinations and expanding connectivity to underserved areas.
- Passenger comfort: ATR has prioritized passenger comfort in the ATR 72, featuring a spacious cabin with large windows and comfortable seating. The aircraft’s low cabin noise levels enhance the overall passenger experience.
- Advanced avionics: The ATR 72 incorporates advanced avionics systems, including the latest generation of glass cockpit technology, providing pilots with enhanced situational awareness and improved flight management capabilities.
- Maintenance and reliability: The ATR 72 is known for its robust design and high reliability, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational efficiency. Its simple and efficient maintenance procedures contribute to its cost-effectiveness.
ATR 72 Operations and Applications: Atr 72 Plane
The ATR 72 is a versatile aircraft that has found its niche in various operational environments. Its primary application lies in regional and short-haul routes, but it also excels in challenging terrains and remote locations.
Short-Haul Flights and Regional Connectivity
The ATR 72 is a perfect choice for short-haul flights and regional connectivity due to its operational efficiency and suitability for smaller airports.
- Fuel Efficiency: The ATR 72’s turboprop engines are known for their fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective option for airlines operating on routes with lower passenger demand.
- Operating Costs: The aircraft’s low operating costs, including maintenance and crew requirements, make it financially viable for regional airlines to operate profitable routes.
- Passenger Comfort: Despite its size, the ATR 72 offers a comfortable passenger experience with spacious cabins and large windows.
- Short Runway Capabilities: The ATR 72 can operate from shorter runways, making it suitable for smaller airports with limited infrastructure.
- Frequency and Flexibility: Its ability to operate frequent flights allows airlines to offer greater flexibility and connectivity for passengers traveling to regional destinations.
Challenging Environments and Remote Locations
The ATR 72’s robust design and performance make it suitable for challenging environments, such as mountainous terrain and remote locations.
- High Altitude Performance: The ATR 72’s turboprop engines provide excellent performance at high altitudes, allowing it to operate in mountainous regions with ease.
- Short Takeoff and Landing Capabilities: Its short takeoff and landing capabilities enable it to operate from unpaved runways and remote airstrips, opening up access to isolated communities.
- Weather Resilience: The aircraft’s design makes it relatively resistant to adverse weather conditions, allowing it to operate in areas with frequent storms or fog.
- Reliability: The ATR 72 is known for its reliability, making it a dependable choice for airlines operating in challenging environments.
Diverse Applications
The ATR 72’s versatility extends beyond regional and short-haul flights. It is also used in various applications, including:
- Cargo Operations: The ATR 72 can be configured for cargo operations, transporting goods to remote locations or serving as a feeder for larger cargo aircraft.
- Medical Evacuation: Its ability to operate from short runways makes it ideal for medical evacuation flights, transporting patients to hospitals or specialized medical facilities.
- Tourism and Scenic Flights: The ATR 72’s large windows and comfortable cabins make it suitable for tourism and scenic flights, offering passengers breathtaking views.
- Government and Military Operations: The ATR 72 is used by governments and militaries for various purposes, including surveillance, troop transport, and disaster relief.
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