Piaggio PD.808

Piaggio Aerospace · Italy · first flew 1964 · transport aircraft

The Piaggio PD.808 is an Italian twin-turbofan executive jet developed with technical assistance from Douglas Aircraft, serving the Italian Air Force in VIP transport, electronic warfare training, and navigation calibration roles.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, swept
E — Engines	2 × turbofan, tail-mounted
F — Fuselage	12.85 m fuselage
T — Tail	T-tail

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Italian jet designed with Douglas input for the Italian Air Force
Rear-mounted twin turbofans and T-tail
Used for VIP, ECM training, and calibration roles

A compact business-jet configuration with rear-mounted twin turbofans, T-tail, and swept low wing — similar to the British Jet Commander or early Learjet in size. The Italian Air Force grey scheme and distinctive squared tail are identifying features.

Specifications

The Piaggio PD.808 has a length of 12.85 m (42 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11.43 m (37 ft).
Its maximum speed is 835 km/h (519 mph).
Typical crew: 2 pilots + up to 6 passengers.

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

History

Piaggio developed the PD.808 in the early 1960s as a private venture with Douglas participation, primarily intended for Italian Air Force use. The prototype flew in August 1964. The Italian Air Force ordered 22 aircraft in three variants, using them for a variety of support roles through the 1990s. Attempts to export or sell commercially were unsuccessful.

Variants

PD.808 VIP (transport), PD.808RM (calibration/ECM), PD.808GE (electronic warfare training). All served the Italian Air Force.

Where you'll see it

Operated exclusively by the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) from the late 1960s through the 1990s; not sold commercially or exported.

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