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ATR 72

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ATR 72
ATR 72 of Aer Arann on take off
Role Regional airliner
Manufacturer ATR
First flight 27 October 1988
Introduction 27 October 1989 (Finnair)
Status In revenue service
Primary users American Eagle
Kingfisher Airlines
Binter Canarias
Aer Arann
Airlinair
Number built 508
Developed from ATR 42
Bangkok Airways ATR 72–500 at Luang Prabang International Airport, Laos

The ATR 72 is a twin-engine turboprop short-haul regional airliner built by the French-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR. ATR and Airbus are both built in Toulouse, and share resources and technology. It seats up to 78 passengers in a single-class configuration and is operated by a two-pilot crew.

Development

The ATR 72 was developed from the ATR 42 in order to increase the seating capacity (48 to 78) by stretching the fuselage by 4.5 metres (15 ft), increasing the wingspan, adding more powerful engines, and increasing fuel capacity by approximately 10 percent. The 72 was announced in 1986,[1] and made its maiden flight on 27 October 1988. Exactly one year after that, on October 27, 1989, Finnair became the first airline to put the plane into service.[2] Since then, at least 408 ATR 72s have been delivered worldwide with orders pending on at least 28 more.

Design

Passengers are boarded using the rear door (which is rare for a passenger plane) as the front door is used to load cargo. Finnair ordered their ATR 72s with a front passenger door so that they could use the jet bridges at Helsinki–Vantaa airport.[3]

A tail stand must be installed when passengers are boarding or disembarking in the case the nose lifts off the ground, which is common if the aircraft is loaded or unloaded incorrectly.

The ATR aircraft does not have an auxiliary power unit (APU) as normally equipped, the APU is an option and would be placed in the C4 cargo section. Most air carriers normally equip the aircraft with a propeller brake (referred to as "Hotel Mode") that stops the propeller on the #2 (right) engine, allowing the turbine to run and provide air and power to the aircraft without the propeller spinning. The downside to the prop brake is improper usage, many airlines have burned these brakes up, and furthermore the companies have removed them from the aircraft entirely. This eliminates the need for the added weight and expense of an APU and prop brake system.[4]

Variants

A Kingfisher Airlines ATR 72–500
Arkia ATR 72–500 parked at Eilat Airport, Israel
Aurigny Air Services ATR 72–200 lands at Bristol Airport, England
Vietnam Air Service Company ATR 72–200 at Co Ong Airport, Con Dao, Vietnam


ATR 72–100

Two sub-types were marketed as the 100 series (−100)

ATR 72–101
Initial production variant powered by two PW124B engines and certified in September 1989.
ATR 72–102
PW124B powered variant certified in December 1989

ATR 72–200

Two sub-types were marketed as the 200 series (−200) The −200 was the original production version, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW124B engines rated at 2400 shp.[5]

ATR 72–201
Higher maximum take-off weight variant of the −101, a PW124B powered variant certified in September 1989
ATR 72–202
Higher maximum take-off weight variant of the −102, a PW124B powered variant certified in December 1989

ATR 72–210

Two sub-types were marketed as the 210 series (−210), the −211, (and with an enlarged cargo door, called the −212), is a −200 with PW127 engines producing 2,750 shp (2,050 kW) each for improved performance in hot and high-altitude conditions. Difference between the sub-types is the type of doors, emergency exits.

ATR 72–211
PW127 powered variant certified in December 1992
ATR 72–212
PW127 powered variant certified in December 1992

ATR 72–500

ATR 72-212A
Marketed as the −500 and certified in January 1997 with either PW127F or PW127M engines the −212A is an upgraded version of the −210 using six-bladed propellers on otherwise identical PW127F engines. Other improvements include higher maximum weights and superior performance, as well as greater automation of power management to ease pilot workload.

ATR 72–600

On Tuesday 2 October 2007, ATR CEO Stéphane Mayer, announced the launch of the new −600 series aircraft at a Press Conference held in Washington, D.C..

The new ATR 42–600 and ATR 72–600 will feature the latest technological enhancements while building upon the well-known advantages of the current aircraft, namely its high efficiency, proven dispatch reliability, low fuel burn and operating cost. It will include the new PW127M as standard engine (new engines provide 5% additional thermodynamic power at takeoff, thus improving performance on short runways, in hot weather and on high altitude. The incorporation of the “boost function” enables use of this additional power as needed, only when called for by the takeoff conditions.), Glass Cockpit flight deck featuring five wide LCD screens that will replace the current EFIS (Electronic Flight instrument System). In addition, a multi-purpose computer (MPC) will further enhance Flight Safety and operational capabilities. The new avionics, to be supplied by Thales, will also provide CAT III and RNP capabilities. It will also include the new lighter and more comfortable seats and larger overhead baggage bins. The −600 series ATR aircraft will be progressively introduced during the second half of 2010.[6][7] The ATR 72-600 Series launch customer is Royal Air Maroc Express (deliveries begin in July 2011).

Using a temporary test registration F-WWEY[8] the prototype ATR 72–600 first flew on 24 July 2009; it had been converted from an ATR 72–500.[9]

Other versions

Cargo Variant

Bulk Freighter (Tube Versions) and ULD Freighter (Large Cargo Door). ATR unveiled a large cargo door modification for all ATR 72 at Farnborough 2002, coupled with a dedicated cargo conversion. FedEx, DHL, and UPS all operate the type.[10]

ATR 72 ASW

The ATR 72 ASW integrates the ATR 42 MP (Maritime Patrol) mission system with the same on-board equipment but with additional ASW capabilities. An anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant of the −500 (itself a version of the maritime patrol variant of the ATR 42–500) is also in production[11] and has been selected by Turkish Navy and Italian Navy for ASW and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) duties. Ten aircraft will be delivered to the Turkish Navy beginning in 2010. Italy's order of four aircraft will begin deliveries in 2012. For ASW and ASuW missions, the aircraft will be armed with a pod-mounted machine gun, lightweight aerial torpedoes, anti-surface missiles, and depth charges.[12] They will also be equipped with the AMASCOS (Airborne Maritime Situation and Control System) maritime surveillance system of Thales, as well as electronic warfare and reconnaissance systems, and will also be used for maritime search and rescue operations.[13]

Corporate Version

A VIP version of the −500 is available with a luxury interior for executive or corporate transport.[14]

ATR Quick Change

Specifications (ATR 72–500)

Data from ATR[15]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 68 to 74 passengers
  • Length: 27.17 m (89 ft 2 in)
  • Wingspan: 27.05 m (88 ft 9 in)
  • Height: 7.65 m (25 ft 1 in)
  • Wing area: 61.00 m2 (656.6 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 12.0:1[16]
  • Empty weight: 12,950 kg (28,550 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 22,500 kg (49,604 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127F turboprops, 1,846 kW (2,475 shp) each

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 511 km/h (318 mph, 276 kn)
  • Range: 1,324 km (823 mi, 715 nmi) [16]
  • Service ceiling: 7,620 m (25,000 ft) [16]
  • Takeoff Run at MTOW: 1,165 m (3,822 ft)

Operators

ATR 72 of Air Dolomiti, one of the biggest operators of the type.

As of 4 March 2011:

Major firm orders include:

Former civil operators

 Gabon
 Germany
 New Zealand

Accidents and incidents

  • On 31 October 1994, American Eagle Flight 4184 crashed due to icing in Roselawn, Indiana killing all 68 people on board. The accident had a significant effect on procedures for dealing with ATR in-flight icing as well as US airlines' utilization of ATR aircraft in specific geographical areas. After a period of mandatory grounding, American Eagle and Delta Connection permanently stopped using the plane on temperate routes. Since the Eagle incidents, ATR had improved the anti-ice boots,[23] though ice-related incidents continued with the type, including a 2002 crash (see below) and a 2009 event where a smaller ATR-42 variant crashed during landing, in icy conditions.[24] Despite this, ATRs are still used in European markets, including the Nordic countries.
  • On 21 December 2002, TransAsia Airways (TNA) cargo flight 791, an ATR 72–200, crashed due to icing during flight from Taipei to Macau. Both crew members were killed. The plane encountered severe icing conditions beyond the icing certification envelope of the aircraft and crashed into sea 17 km southwest of Makung city. The Aviation Safety Council of Taiwan investigation found that the crash was caused by ice accumulation around the plane's major components, resulting in the aircraft's loss of control. The investigation identified that flight crew did not respond to the severe icing conditions with the appropriate alert situation awareness and did not take the necessary actions.[25]
  • On 9 May 2004, American Eagle Flight 5401 crashed on landing in San Juan, Puerto Rico during a failed go-around attempt. Seventeen people were injured, but there were no fatalities.
  • On 6 August 2005, Tuninter Flight 1153, a Tuninter ATR 72 en route from Bari, Italy, to Djerba, Tunisia, ditched into the Mediterranean Sea about 18 miles (29 km) from the city of Palermo. Sixteen of the 39 people on board died. The accident resulted from engine fuel exhaustion due to the installation of fuel quantity indicators designed for the ATR 42 in the larger ATR 72.[26]
  • On 24 August 2008, an Air Dolomiti ATR 72 en route from Munich, Germany, to Bologna, Italy, abandoned take off after the pilot announced a smoke alarm. The airline treated the plane's evacuation as a mild incident. On 26 August, an amateur video, filmed by a bystander, showed 60 passengers jumping from and fleeing the burning plane before fire department workers extinguish the flames.[27]
  • On 26 December 2008, a Mount Cook Airlines ATR 72–500 en route from Wellington to Christchurch, New Zealand, lost power in its right engine one minute after takeoff. A passenger reported seeing something hit the engine and smoke from the engine filled the cabin through the air conditioning system. An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said the airplane's pilots saw a warning indicator light and shut down one engine. Air New Zealand engineers are investigating the cause of the engine failure.[28]
  • On 4 August 2009, Bangkok Airways Flight 266, an ATR 72-212A from Bangkok Airways skidded into a disused tower at the airport on Koh Samui.The pilot of the aircraft died and 10 passengers were injured.
  • On 31 October 2009, Jet Airways Flight 9W 2633, an ATR 72, made an emergency landing at Amritsar International Airport due to failure of the right side engine. It appeared to some passengers that the crew noticed it only after being told by the passengers. The landing was uneventful.[29]
  • On 10 November 2009, Kingfisher Airlines Flight 4124, operated by ATR 72-212A VT-KAC skidded off the runway after landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, subsequently damaging the nose section severely. The aircraft came to a halt just a few metres away from the fuel tanks of the airport. All 46 passengers and crew escaped unharmed.[30]
  • On 4 November 2010, Aero Caribbean Flight 883, operated by an ATR 72–212, with 61 passengers and 7 crew members, crashed at Guasimal, Cuba, while on route from Santiago de Cuba to Havana.[31] All 68 people on board were killed. The accident was due to the prevailing meteorological conditions and to the wrong decisions taken by the crew.[32] The flight was due in Havana at 7:50 p.m. but had reported an emergency and lost contact with air traffic control at 5:42 p.m.[33]
  • On 21 January 2011, TRIP Linhas Aereas Flight 5602, Had a failure in the main landing gear while it was landing, at Altamira, Brazil, and stopped in the grass. With 47 passengers, just one had some injuries because he wasn't using the seatbelts.
  • On the 17 July 2011, Air Arann Flight Manchester United Kingdom to Shannon Ireland skidded off the runway at Shannon Airport. It is thought the weather is the most likely factor behind the incident, which saw the pilot aborting an initial attempt to land, before circling and landing the plane on a second attempt. It was during the second attempt that it became apparent that the nose wheel had been damaged, and the plane skidded to a halt on the grass verge next to the airstrip. Emergency services immediately arrived on the scene and all of the 21 passengers and four crew were taken inside the airport, where they were examined by medics. No-one was injured. The aircraft involved is about 17 years old – roughly halfway through its expected lifespan – and was in good working condition prior to the incident. The flight was operated on behalf of Aer Lingus Regional.

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ^ Detailed Milestones
  2. ^ ATR Profile
  3. ^ Photos: ATR ATR-72-201 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net
  4. ^ [1][dead link]
  5. ^ ATR 72–200
  6. ^ ATR 42/72-600
  7. ^ ATR 72–600 to fly early this summer
  8. ^ Image of F-WWEY
  9. ^ "ATR 72–600 startet zum Erstflug" (in German). Flug Revue. Retrieved 27 July 2009.
  10. ^ ATR Cargo Solutions
  11. ^ ASW variant
  12. ^ Naval Air: Twins Rule The Seas. Strategypage.com (2008-12-30). Retrieved on 2010-11-20.
  13. ^ ATR 72-500ASW
  14. ^ ATR Corporate Version
  15. ^ "ATR 72–500". ATR. Retrieved 8 November 2010. [dead link]
  16. ^ a b c Jackson 2003, pp. 226–227.
  17. ^ http://www.eads.com/eads/int/en/news/press.5d079daf-f7f2-467f-8d12-8957a3a6164d.70472f39-dd6f-4428-a792-91d82cb9791b.html
  18. ^ ATR 72 Fleet on KFA website
  19. ^ http://www.safair.co.za/expertise/
  20. ^ [2]
  21. ^ Wings Air orders 15 ATR72-500 and 15 options for ATR72-600 at Dubai 09 airshow
  22. ^ "Australia now on radar for turboprop manufacturer ATR". The Australian. 4 March 2011.
  23. ^ ATR from the pilot's perspective
  24. ^ CNN: FedEx plane crashes in Texas 27 January 2009
  25. ^ Aviation Safety Council-Occurrence Investigations
  26. ^ ASN Aircraft accident ATR-72-202 TS-LBB Palermo-Punta Raisi Airport (PMO). Aviation-safety.net. Retrieved on 2010-11-20.
  27. ^ Amateur films flaming plane at Munich airport
  28. ^ Engine fails on New Zealand airliner
  29. ^ Jet engine fails; flight makes emergency landing in Amritsar. Hindustan Times (2009-10-31). Retrieved on 2010-11-20.
  30. ^ "Accident description". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 11 November 2009.
  31. ^ The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2010/11/04/world/americas/international-uk-cuba-plane.html?hp. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  32. ^ "Accident description". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 5 November 2010.
  33. ^ CBC News – World – Cuban plane crash kills all 68 aboard. Cbc.ca (2010-11-05). Retrieved on 2010-11-20.
  • Jackson, Paul. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2003. ISBN 0-7106-2537-5.
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