ATR 72

The ATR 72: A Flagship Regional Turboprop

The ATR 72 is a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner designed for short-haul operations. It was developed as a stretched version of the ATR 42, offering greater passenger capacity while maintaining the same fuel efficiency and reliability. Since its introduction in the late 1980s, the ATR 72 has become one of the most successful regional aircraft in the world, particularly favored by airlines operating short- to medium-haul routes with moderate passenger demand.

Development Background

Following the success of the ATR 42, the joint Franco-Italian venture Avions de Transport Régional (ATR) sought to expand the aircraft’s seating capacity. The ATR 72 was introduced in 1988 as a larger derivative, designed to seat approximately 70 passengers while retaining the proven design philosophy of the ATR 42.

The ATR 72 quickly gained traction in the regional market due to its low operating costs, short-field performance, and ability to access airports with limited infrastructure. Over the years, the aircraft has undergone several upgrades, resulting in a family of models ranging from the original ATR 72-200 to the advanced ATR 72-600, which is the current production version.

Design Characteristics

The ATR 72 shares the same high-wing layout and general configuration as the ATR 42 but features a longer fuselage, increased wingspan, and reinforced landing gear to handle the extra weight.

Its high-wing placement allows for improved ground clearance, making it suitable for airports with unpaved or semi-prepared runways. The fuselage is pressurized and circular in cross-section, offering a comfortable cabin for passengers. The main entry and service doors are located at the rear of the aircraft, while many cargo configurations use a large cargo door on the fuselage side.

The cockpit in modern ATR 72-600 models features a full glass avionics suite with five LCD screens, flight management systems, and advanced autopilot features. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 series turboprop engines, which drive six-bladed Hamilton Standard propellers designed to minimize noise and maximize efficiency.

Operational Use

Since its entry into service, the ATR 72 has been adopted by airlines worldwide, particularly in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Its short takeoff and landing capabilities allow it to serve airports with runways under 4,000 feet, making it ideal for regional connectivity.

Beyond passenger transport, ATR has also developed freighter versions of the ATR 72, including dedicated cargo aircraft and quick-change (passenger-to-cargo) models. In addition, the type has been adapted for specialized roles such as maritime patrol and military transport.

The ATR 72 remains in continuous production, with the ATR 72-600 as the latest and most advanced variant, offering improvements in performance, fuel efficiency, and avionics technology.

Technical Parameters of the ATR 72-600 (current model)

• Role: Regional turboprop airliner

• Crew: 2 pilots (plus cabin crew depending on passenger configuration)

• Passenger capacity: Typically 70–78 passengers

Dimensions

• Length: 89 ft (27.16 m)

• Wingspan: 88 ft 9 in (27.05 m)

• Height: 25 ft (7.65 m)

• Wing area: ~635 sq ft (59 m²)

Weights

• Empty weight: ~13,000 kg (28,660 lb)

• Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW): 23,000 kg (50,706 lb)

• Maximum landing weight: 22,350 kg (49,270 lb)

• Maximum zero-fuel weight: 21,000 kg (46,297 lb)

Powerplant

• 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M turboprop engines

• Power output: ~2,475 shp (1,845 kW) each

• Propellers: Six-bladed Hamilton Standard propellers, variable pitch

Performance

• Maximum speed: ~300 knots (345 mph, 556 km/h)

• Cruise speed: ~275 knots (316 mph, 510 km/h)

• Range with full payload: ~825 nautical miles (1,528 km)

• Ferry range: ~1,528 nautical miles (2,830 km)

• Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,620 m)

• Takeoff distance at MTOW: ~4,425 ft (1,350 m)

• Landing distance: ~3,650 ft (1,115 m)

Avionics

• Glass cockpit with five large LCD displays

• Flight management system (dual FMS) with GPS

• Automatic flight control system (AFCS)

• Options for enhanced vision and synthetic vision systems

Variants

• ATR 72-200: Initial production version with PW124B engines.

• ATR 72-210: Improved hot-and-high performance variant.

• ATR 72-500: Introduced in the late 1990s with PW127 engines, improved cabin comfort, and noise reduction.

• ATR 72-600: Current production version with upgraded avionics, higher efficiency, and better performance.

• ATR 72 Freighter / Quick Change: Cargo and convertible passenger-cargo models.

• ATR 72 Maritime Patrol / Military: Modified versions for coast guards and naval forces.

Legacy

The ATR 72 has become one of the most recognizable and widely used regional aircraft in the world. Its versatility, low operating costs, and ability to serve challenging airfields make it invaluable to regional carriers. With more than 1,000 units built and in service, the aircraft continues to expand its global footprint.

The ATR 72-600 ensures that the type remains relevant in modern aviation, providing airlines with an environmentally efficient and technologically advanced platform for regional connectivity.