Piaggio P.166
Piaggio Aerospace · Italy · first flew 1957 · transport aircraft
The Piaggio P.166 is an Italian twin-engine light transport and utility aircraft distinctive for its pusher-propeller configuration, with both engines mounted aft-facing on a high gull wing. It serves in passenger, cargo, maritime patrol, and military utility roles.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.9 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Pusher propeller layout with engines facing aft on high wing
- Gull-wing high-set configuration for ground clearance
- Distinctive twin pusher nacelles on a shoulder-wing
The pusher propellers on an elevated gull wing are unique among production aircraft of this size. No other light twin of this era places both engines aft-facing on a shoulder wing.
Specifications
- The Piaggio P.166 has a length of 11.9 m (39 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.69 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 397 km/h (247 mph).
- Typical crew: 1–2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Evolved from the Piaggio P.136 flying boat, the P.166 first flew in 1957 and entered production in several variants. The Italian Air Force and Coast Guard became major operators, using it for coastal patrol, transport, and liaison duties for decades.
Variants
Variants include the P.166B Portofino for civil operators, the P.166M for the Italian Air Force, the turboprop-powered P.166DL3 with Lycoming LTP 101 engines, and the P.166DL3-SEM maritime patrol version.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Italian Air Force and Italian Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera) in maritime surveillance roles; also operated by civil operators in Italy and Africa.
Related aircraft
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