P.166AL1

Piaggio · Italy · first flew 1976 · transport aircraft

The Piaggio P.166AL1 is an Italian light transport aircraft derived from the P.166 family, featuring the type's distinctive gull wing and aft-facing pusher propellers in a turboprop configuration suited to light patrol and utility work.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Gull-wing configuration with engines above the wing
• Pusher propeller arrangement
• Distinctive upswept rear fuselage

The gull wing with pusher propellers is the unmistakable identification feature; engines sit above and behind the wing leading edge; upswept rear fuselage terminates in a conventional tail.

Specifications

• The P.166AL1 has a length of 11.9 m (39 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 14.69 m (48 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 368 km/h (229 mph).
• Typical crew: 1-2, up to 8 passengers.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The P.166 series originated in 1957 as a light transport exploiting the gull-wing and pusher-propeller layout of the earlier P.136 flying boat. The AL1 was a turboprop-powered military variant developed in the 1970s for the Italian Air Force, powered by Avco Lycoming LTP-101 engines, primarily for liaison and coastal patrol duties.

Variants

P.166AL1 (turboprop military variant); P.166DL3 (updated turboprop); P.166DP1 (further development).

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) in liaison and light transport roles; small numbers also used for maritime coastal surveillance.

Related aircraft

• P180 Avanti
• Piaggio P.166M
• Piaggio P.108 Bombardiere
• Piaggio P.50
• An-32 (Cline)
• Beechcraft C-12D Huron
• Beechcraft T-44A Pegasus
• Harbin SH-5

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