The Most Produced Piaggio Aerospace Aircraft

Piaggio Aerospace, formerly Piaggio Aero, is an Italian aerospace manufacturer that has left a mark on aviation history. Founded in 1884, Piaggio is behind a diverse range of aircraft, each designed to meet specific needs and excel in performance. From military and utility planes to executive aircraft, Piaggio has consistently delivered quality and innovation.

Fun fact: Piaggio is also the name behind the iconic Vespa scooters. But today, we’re here to talk about the top five most produced aircraft by Piaggio Aerospace, offering insights into their significance and impact on the aviation industry.

5 Piaggio P.148

Number built: 100

Kicking off our list is the Piaggio P.148, a versatile trainer aircraft. Developed in the early 1950s, the P.148 is a monoplane that served as a primary trainer for numerous air forces and flight schools thanks to its stability, maneuverability, and ease of handling. The two-seat plane was also used as an aerobatic trainer.

According to aeroflight, 70 P.148s were operated by the Italian Air Force between 1951 and 1979. The Somali Air Corps also formerly used the plane for training.

Characteristics

Seats: two
Empty weight: 1,931 lb (876 kg)
Maximum speed: 126 knots (145 mph / 234 km/h)
Range: 498 nautical miles (574 miles / 923 km)
Service ceiling: 16,400 feet (5,000 meters)

4 Piaggio P.166

Number built: 154

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Moving up our list is the Piaggio P.166, a twin-engine utility aircraft known for its rugged construction and exceptional performance. Developed in the late 1950s from the P.136 amphibian aircraft, the P.166 was designed for military and civil use, and found success as a patrol aircraft and aerial survey platform. With over 154 units produced, this versatile aircraft earned praise for its reliability and versatility in challenging operating environments.

At the peak of its operational history, former Italian flag carrier Alitalia and the Italian Air Force both operated the plane. Outside of Italy, the P.166 saw widespread use in Australia, with the Australian Federal Government and the now-defunct airline, Ansett Australia, being among more than a dozen operators using the type, per AirHistory.net.

Characteristics

Seats: two crew, eight passengers
Empty weight: 5,842 lb (2,650 kg)
Maximum speed: 220 knots (250 mph / 400 km/h)
Range: 1,125 nautical miles (1,295 miles / 2,084 km)
Service ceiling: 28,000 feet (8,535 meters)

3 Nardi FN.305

Number built: 208

Next up is the Nardi FN.305, a fighter trainer that first took flight in 1935. The aircraft was developed by Fratelli Nardi, a fellow Italian aircraft manufacturer. However, due to limited resources, production was handed over to Piaggio. So, while the FN.305 was not exactly a Piaggio plane, its production remains part of the manufacturer’s colorful history.

With a focus on simplicity and versatility, the FN.305 served as a trainer, liaison, and utility aircraft for military users. Although the plane retired from service in 1948, the FN.305 played a significant role in supporting aviation training and operations for the Italian, Hungarian and Romanian air forces during its heyday.

Characteristics

Seats: two
Empty weight: 1,552 lb (704 kg)
Maximum speed: 162 knots (186 mph / 300 km/h)
Range: 335 nautical miles (385 miles / 620 km)
Service ceiling: 19,685 feet (6,000 meters)

2 Piaggio P.180 Avanti

Number built: 246

Taking the runner-up spot is the iconic Piaggio P.180 Avanti, a revolutionary business turboprop renowned for its innovative design and unparalleled performance. Introduced in the 1990s, the Avanti redefined the executive aircraft market with its sleek lines, advanced aerodynamics, and spacious cabin.

The turboprop took its maiden flight in 1986 and has been in production since. As of 2020, 246 units have been built. The Avanti is Piaggio’s flagship aircraft, which is currently in production as the latest-generation Avanti EVO – one of the fastest propeller-driven aircraft in the market today. With over 240 units delivered worldwide, the Avanti remains a symbol of Italian craftsmanship and engineering excellence.

Making The Best Better: A Look At The Piaggio Avanti Evo

The Piaggio P180 Avanti EVO is as fast as a jet but costs 40% less to operate.

Characteristics (P.180 Avanti EVO)

Seats: one crew, up to nine passengers
Empty weight: 8,375 lb (3,799 kg)
Maximum speed: 400 knots (460 mph / 750 km/h)
Range: 1,510 nautical miles (1,740 miles / 2,800 km)
Service ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,000 meters)

1 Piaggio P.149

Number built: 278

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Topping our list is the Piaggio P.149, a versatile utility and liaison aircraft renowned for its rugged design and reliability. Introduced in the 1950s, the P.149 served as a trainer, liaison, and utility transport aircraft for the German Air Force between 1957 and 1990.

In West Germany, the P.149 was produced under license by Focke-Wulf. The now-defunct aircraft manufacturer built the majority of the P.149s, with 190 units rolling off its production line. Piaggio, on the other hand, contributed 88 of the 278 P.149s ever built – 76 of these were delivered to Germany.

A Piaggio P.180 Avanti flying over water.

Powered By Rear-Mounted Turboprops: The Story Of The Piaggio P.180 Avanti

All about Piaggio’s fascinating aircraft and its twin pusher engines.

According to Fandom, the Austrian, Israeli, Nigerian, Tanzanian, and Ugandan air forces deployed the P.149. In the commercial space, Swissair used the P.149 at its flying school at Bern airfield.

Characteristics