Piaggio Aerospace
Piaggio P.180 Avanti
The Piaggio P.180 Avanti is a distinctive twin‑engine turboprop business aircraft produced by Piaggio Aerospace of Italy. Development began in the early 1980s to meet demand for a fast, fuel‑efficient alternative to light jets. The prototype first flew on 23 December 1986; series production started in 1990 and the type was certified by EASA and the FAA in 1991. The Avanti’s most striking feature is its canard‑wing‑tail layout, combining a small forward wing, a main wing with a forward‑swept planform, and a T‑tail. This configuration generates lift from both the canard and the main wing, reducing drag and enabling cruise speeds up to 470 km/h (285 kt) while consuming less fuel than comparable turboprops. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑66A engines driving six‑blade scimitar propellers, it offers a spacious cabin for up to nine passengers and a range of roughly 2,200 km. Over the decades the Avanti has earned a reputation for economical performance, low operating costs and quiet operation, making it popular with corporate operators, air‑ambulance services and special‑mission users. Its innovative design has influenced modern aerodynamics and cemented the Avanti’s status as an iconic example of Italian engineering in general aviation.
