Piaggio P.23R
Piaggio · Italy · first flew 1935 · transport aircraft
The Piaggio P.23R was an Italian long-range flying boat of the 1930s, developed primarily to set long-distance speed and range records.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 23.74 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large 1930s Italian high-wing flying boat
- Four radial engines in tandem push-pull pairs
- Designed for long-distance record flights
Distinguished by its high-mounted straight wing with two large tandem engine nacelles, large single-step flying boat hull, and conventional tail unit typical of late-1930s Italian maritime designs.
Specifications
- The Piaggio P.23R has a length of 23.74 m (78 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 29.41 m (96 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 439 km/h (273 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Piaggio to compete for prestigious long-distance aviation records, the P.23R combined a large flying boat hull with four powerful engines arranged in push-pull tandem nacelles. It represented Italy's ambition to demonstrate aviation prowess during the Fascist era.
Variants
The P.23R was a dedicated record-breaking variant; a small number were built without significant sub-variants entering production.
Where you'll see it
The P.23R was used for demonstration and record attempts rather than front-line military service, though it informed later Piaggio designs.
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