Piaggio PD.808

The Piaggio PD.808 is a twin‑engine jet trainer and light transport aircraft developed by the Italian manufacturer Piaggio Aerospace in the early 1970s. Designed to replace aging piston‑powered trainers, the PD.808 first flew on 7 July 1975 and entered service with the Italian Air Force in 1979. Its basic airframe is a low‑wing monoplane with a conventional tail, powered by two Garrett TFE731‑3 turbofan engines that deliver about 3,000 lbf of thrust each, giving a top speed of roughly 500 kt and a range of 1,400 nm. The cockpit can be configured for two‑seat side‑by‑side instruction or a single‑pilot arrangement, and it features fully dual‑flight controls, a modern avionics suite with autopilot and navigation radar, and optional hardpoints for light weapons, making it suitable for weapons training. The aircraft’s high reliability, low operating cost, and simple maintenance have allowed it to serve not only the Italian Air Force but also export customers such as the United Arab Emirates and the United States (as a research platform). The PD.808’s versatility bridged the gap between basic piston trainers and advanced jet fighters, influencing later European trainer designs and reinforcing Piaggio’s reputation in the military‑aviation market.

Piaggio Aerospace

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