ATR 72 ATR 72-211

The 210 series is a -200 with the PW124B engines swapped for PW127s of 2,050 kW (2,750 shp), and that is the whole reason for its existence: the ATR 72 was selling well in markets — Africa, Asia, South America — where short strips, heat and altitude punish take-off. The -211 keeps the two-passenger-door layout; the -212 is distinguished by its enlarged cargo door and by the type of emergency exits. Both were certified in December 1992.

The improvement shows in the take-off run: at maximum weight, sea level and standard atmosphere, the -210 needs 1,211 m against the 1,409 m of the -200, and lands in 902 m instead of 1,036 m. Empty weight is 12,450 kg, high-speed cruise rises to 517 km/h and range with a full load settles at 791 nautical miles (1,465 km), slightly less than the -200 because of the higher fuel burn.

The 210 series was the step that led to the -212A: the same PW127 engines, now with six-bladed propellers, produced the 500 and 600 series that would dominate the rest of the type's commercial life.