Piaggio has unveiled an upgraded version of the P.180 twin turbo-prop.
Known as the Avanti EVO, the new aircraft will make its public debut at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva tomorrow.
The P.180 is known mostly for its speed and curious configuration with pusher props and canard wings.
The EVO has been fitted with five-blade scimitar props that reduce noise and shove the aircraft along at 402 knots, making it the fastest twin turbo-prop in the world, and a competitor for the high-end business market usually serviced by jets.
Climb performance in the EVO is 3% better than the P.180, and the range has been extended from 1470 to 1720 nm. Engine emissions have been reduced by 3%.
Alberto Galassi, Chairman of Piaggio Aero Industries said, “The new Avanti EVO represents excellence and provides everything business aviation requires to meet the increasing demands on time that prevail today. It improves performance and delivers more for our customers but with even greater efficiencies, all combined with our unbeatable Italian style.
"It marks an historical moment under the new ownership of Mubadala, and vividly displays its commitment to Piaggio Aero and our aircraft, and investment in major new production facilities."
The Avanti EVO is the first milestone in an industrial program that includes Piaggio Aero’s product portfolio development and diversification and a new state-of-the-art production facility at Villanova d’Albenga, Savona, Italy.