Aircraft Profile: Piaggio P180 Avanti II
The Piaggio P180 Avanti II is virtually in a class of its own. It is the world’s fastest turboprop business aircraft, exactly what you would expect from a manufacturer linked with the Ferrari family and brand.
In addition to its speed, the Avanti II features new high tech interior optins, including broadband connectivity, Rosen's RosenView VX IFE, mood lighting and electrochromatic window shades.
The Avanti offers customers the speed of a light jet aircraft, the comfort of a large, quiet, midsize cabin, and fuel efficiencies that are nearly 40% higher than most business jets and 25% higher than the most efficient twin turboprops.
Its unique design with a fixed forward wing (it is not a canard) is possibly what led to a slow take-up when it was first launched more than 20 years ago. Now the design as well as the economics are turning heads in the major US market where its ramp appeal speaks for itself.
The AVanti II was certified by the FAA in 2006 with Rockwell Collins Proline 21 avionics, uprated P&WC PT6A-66B engines and an extra 14 inches of cabin width over the original P180. It has a certified altitude of 41,000 feet and speed of 398 kts (735kmh) at 30,000 feet with a maximum speed of mach 0.7 - significantly faster than any other turboprop and faster than many of the Avanti II’s jet competitors.
With a maximum range of 1,800 nm, the Avanti II can complete most corporate missions without the need for refueling stops. Fortunately it also includes a lavatory as part of the standard fit.
Heritage
The P180 was first launched in 1986 with first delivery in 1990. However, fewer than 100 aircraft were sold in the first 20 years.
With its upgraded engines, avionics and extra cabin volume, the Avanti II has seen a surge in sales, since being launched in late 2004 and certificated by the FAA in early 2006.
Tha Avanti has been dubbed the 'Catfish' because of its unusual fixed forward wing (not a canard) which provides positive lift reducing the trim drag from the horizontal tail.
