ATR-72 vs DC-3

The ATR-72 and the DC-3 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by ATR and Douglas respectively. Top speed is 565 km/h for the ATR-72 vs 413 km/h for the DC-3. The ATR-72 has an operational range of 1,404 km vs 2,540 km for the DC-3. The ATR-72 operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. The ATR-72 has been produced in 1,000 units vs 10,174 for the DC-3. Unit cost is $26M for the ATR-72 vs $0.08M for the DC-3. The DC-3 first flew 47 years before the ATR-72 (1941 vs 1988).

French-Italian regional turboprop, notable for its extensive use in civil and commercial aviation since the late 1980s.
ATR ATR-72 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer ATR
First flight 27 October 1988
Year introduced 1989
Number produced 1000 units
Average unit price $26 million
American commercial airliner, renowned for significant contributions to World War II airlift operations, frequently used for cargo and passenger transport.
Douglas DC-3 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Douglas
First flight 23 December 1941
Year introduced 1936
Number produced 10174 units
Average unit price $0.1 million
Wing area 61.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 27.1 m â—‰
Height 7.7 m â—‰
Length 27.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 565 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,404 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 22,500 kg â—‰
Empty weight 12,950 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 2,051 kW â—‰
Wing area 91.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 29.0 m â—‰
Height 5.6 m â—‰
Length 22.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 413 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,540 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,071 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,154 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,450 kg â—‰
Total thrust 3 x 875 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the ATR-72 or DC-3?
The ATR-72 is faster with a maximum speed of 565 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 152 km/h.
Which has longer range, the ATR-72 or DC-3?
The DC-3 has a longer range at 2,540 km compared to the ATR-72's 1,404 km.
Which can fly higher, the ATR-72 or DC-3?
The ATR-72 has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the ATR-72 or DC-3?
The ATR-72 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 22,500 kg compared to the DC-3's 13,154 kg.
Which is larger, the ATR-72 or DC-3?
The ATR-72 is longer at 27.2 meters compared to the DC-3's 22.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the ATR-72 or DC-3?
The ATR-72 is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the ATR-72 or DC-3?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 53 years before the ATR-72 which entered service in 1989.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the ATR-72 or DC-3?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 1,000 units of the ATR-72.