View source for Piaggio P.180 Avanti

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{short description|Executive transport aircraft}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = P.180 Avanti
 |image = File:Piaggio P-180 Avanti Rennes 2010 (cropped).jpg
 |caption = 
 |type = Executive transport
 |manufacturer = [[Piaggio Aero]]
 |designer =<!-- Only appropriate for one-person designers, not project leaders or chief designers -->
 |national_origin= Italy
 |first_flight = 23 September 1986
 |introduction = 30 September 1990
 |retired =
 |status = In production
 |primary_user = [[Italian Air Force]] 
 |more_users = [[Italian Army]] <br> [[Italian Navy]] <br> [[Avantair]] (historical)<!-- Limited to THREE (3) 'more users' here (4 total users). Separate users with <br />. -->
 |produced = 1986–present
 |number_built = 246 (Dec 2020)<ref name=Piaggio1dec2020/>
 |variants =
}}

The '''Piaggio P.180 Avanti''' is an executive/VIP [[light aircraft|light transport aircraft]], designed by [[Piaggio Aero]] and built in [[Italy]]. It features twin, wing-mounted [[turboprop]] engines, in a [[pusher configuration]].<ref name="Flying30Dec08">{{Cite news |url=http://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-reports/turboprops/fuel-miser |title=Fuel Miser |access-date=15 January 2012 |date=30 December 2008 |work=[[Flying Magazine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118035157/http://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-reports/turboprops/fuel-miser |archive-date=18 January 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Avanti seats up to nine people in a [[Cabin pressurization|pressurized cabin]] and may be flown by one or [[Dual control (aviation)|two pilots]]. The design is of [[Three-surface aircraft|three-surface]] configuration, having both a small forward wing and a conventional tailplane, as well as its main wing, with the main wing [[Spar (aeronautics)|spars]] passing behind the passenger cabin area. The [[Fédération Aéronautique Internationale|FAI]] lists it as the [[fastest propeller-driven aircraft]] with speed of {{Convert|927.4|km/h|mph kn|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Records {{!}} World Air Sports Federation |url=https://www.fai.org/records?f%5B0%5D=field_group:177&f%5B1%5D=field_status:146&order=field_performance&sort=desc |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=www.fai.org}}</ref>

==Development==
[[File:Piaggio P 180 Avanti (6742485361).jpg|thumb|Piaggio P.180 Avanti II [[empennage]] and [[Strake (aeronautics)|delta fins]] (only one visible)]]
[[File:PiaggioAvanti II FlightDeck.jpg|thumb|Avanti II flight deck]]
[[File:OKPIA.jpg|thumb|Clean configuration]]

A 1980s wave of new-generation planes, developed to appeal to [[Fortune 500]] clients, included Piaggio's Avanti and Beech Aircraft Corp.'s very similar [[Beechcraft Starship|Starship]].<ref>{{cite news|last1= Weiner |first1= Eric|title=Innovative Plane Making Its Debut|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/05/business/innovative-plane-making-its-debut.html |access-date=22 June 2017 |work= [[The New York Times]]|date=5 June 1989 |quote= Like the Starship, the Piaggio Avanti features a canard and rear-mounted engines. But the Avanti is made mostly of aluminum, not composites. It weighs thousands of pounds less than the Starship and is about 60 m.p.h. faster. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171220073328/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/05/business/innovative-plane-making-its-debut.html |archive-date= 20 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= "Martin">{{cite news|last1= Martin |first1= Ed|title=Business Jets Ready for Takeoff|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1989/10/29/business-jets-ready-for-takeoff/|access-date=19 June 2017|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|agency=[[Knight-Ridder]] Newspapers|date=29 October 1989|quote=This is the futuristic Piaggio Avanti. It, and a handful of other avant-garde designs like it are leading American business aviation into the 1990s.}}</ref> Engineering studies for the airplane that would eventually be named ''Avanti'' began in 1979 and designs were tested in [[wind tunnel]]s in Italy and the United States in 1980 and 1981, conducted by Professor [[Jan Roskam]] from the [[University of Kansas]] (using [[Wichita State University]]'s wind tunnel and [[Boeing]]'s transonic wind tunnel in Seattle)<ref>{{cite web|title=Dr. Jan Roskam Project Advisor|url=http://www.darcorp.com/About_Us/Profile/Jan_Roskam/|website=DARcorp|publisher=Design, Analysis and Research Corporation|access-date=22 June 2017|quote=Jan Roskam managed the low speed and transonic speed windtunnel programs for the SIAI Marchetti S-211 and Piaggio 180-Avanti.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218015207/http://darcorp.com/About_Us/Profile/Jan_Roskam/|archive-date=18 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> along with Professor [[Gerald Gregorek|Gerald "Jerry" Gregorek]] (1931-2019)<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr. Gerald M. "Jerry" Gregorek |url=https://www.celestis.com/participants-testimonials/dr-gerald-m-jerry-gregorek/ |publisher=Celestis |access-date=16 July 2025 }}</ref> at [[Ohio State University]] (using OSU's 2D pressure wind tunnel).<ref>{{cite book | last = Roskam | first = Jan | title = Roskam's airplane war stories : an account of the professional life and work of Dr. Jan Roskam, airplane designer and teacher | publisher = DARcorporation | location = Lawrence, Kan | year = 2002 | isbn = 9781884885570 |pages=195–198 |author-link=Jan Roskam}}</ref><ref>{{cite conference
| url = http://www.aerodays2006.org/sessions/G_Sessions/G4/G42.pdf
| title = Research Investment & Commercial Success : Piaggio Aero Industries
| last1 = Cozzolino
| first1 = A.
| date = 20 June 2006
| conference = Fifth Community Aeronautics Days
| conference-url = http://www.aerodays2006.org
| publisher = [[Ministry of Transport (Austria)|BMVIT]]
| book-title = Sustainable Solutions for New Horizons
| pages = 11–13
| location = Vienna
| access-date = 22 June 2017
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090106201436/http://www.aerodays2006.org/sessions/G_Sessions/G4/G42.pdf
| archive-date = 6 January 2009
| url-status = dead
}}</ref>

Piaggio's chief engineer, {{ill|Alessandro Mazzoni|it|Alessandro_Mazzoni_(ingegnere)}},<ref>{{cite web|title=Dr. Alessandro Mazzoni|url=http://www.m3aviation.com/bio-mazzoni.html|publisher=M3 Aviation Inc|access-date=22 June 2017|quote=As Director of Engineering for ''I.A.M. Rinaldo Piaggio'' from 1974 to 1991, he designed the P.180 ''Avanti'', and is the US Patent holder (4746081) for the Three Lifting Surface Configuration (3LSC) aircraft.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425231734/http://m3aviation.com/bio-mazzoni.html|archive-date=25 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> filed in 1982 to patent the Avanti design.<ref name=Patent>{{cite patent
| country       = US
| number        = 4746081
| status        = patent
| title         = Aircraft having three lift surfaces
| pubdate       = 27 May 1982
| gdate         = 1988-05-24
| pridate       = 1982-01-25
| inventor-last = Mazzoni
| inventor-first= Alessandro
| assign1       = Industrie Aeronautiche e Rinaldo Piaggio S.p.A.
}}</ref><ref name=Design>{{cite patent
| country       = US
| number        = D280892
| status        = patent
| title         = Aircraft ornamental design
| pubdate       = 10 June 1982
| gdate         = 1985-10-08
| pridate       = 1982-01-25
| inventor-last = Mazzoni
| inventor-first= Alessandro
| assign1       = Rinaldo Piaggio S.p.A.
| url           = http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=D280892.PN.&OS=PN/D280892&RS=PN/D280892
}}</ref> Beginning in 1983, [[Learjet#Merger with Gates Aviation|Gates Learjet]] partnered with Piaggio to develop a fuselage for the new aircraft (referred to as ''Gates Piaggio GP-180'').<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kleinfield|first1=N. R.|title=BUSINESS PEOPLE; GATES LEARJET PICKS 2-DIVISION MANAGER|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/14/business/business-people-gates-learjet-picks-2-division-manager.html|access-date=22 June 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=14 December 1984|quote=Mr. Neal… …will also direct and coordinate the company's role in developing the new Gates Piaggio business aircraft, designated the GP-180.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903081350/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/14/business/business-people-gates-learjet-picks-2-division-manager.html|archive-date=3 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FltInt1985">{{cite news|author1=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Avanti doubts composite benefit|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1985/1985%20-%202804.PDF|access-date=19 June 2017|work=[[Flight International]]|date=12 October 1985|quote=It is manufactured using techniques 'unique' to an aircraft of its size, according to Ronald Neal, the manager who heads Gates Learjet's involvement with the aircraft, currently limited to fuselage construction.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903075956/https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1985/1985%20-%202804.PDF|archive-date=3 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Learjet's design influence can be seen in the steeply raked windshield and the two large ventral [[Strake (aeronautics)|delta fins]] under the tail.<ref name="Huber">{{cite news|last1=Huber|first1=Mark|title=Piaggio Avanti|url=https://www.bjtonline.com/business-jet-news/piaggio-avanti|access-date=18 June 2017|work=Business Jet Traveler|date=September 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903080806/https://www.bjtonline.com/business-jet-news/piaggio-avanti|archive-date=3 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> At high angles of attack these delta fins provide a nose-down pitching moment and help to avoid a potential stall,<ref name="Gerzanics">{{cite news|last1=Gerzanics|first1=Mike|title=Pushing the envelope|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pushing-the-envelope-141673/|access-date=17 June 2017|work=[[Flightglobal]]|date=22 January 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903072553/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pushing-the-envelope-141673/|archive-date=3 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hodgkins">{{cite news|last1=Hodgkins|first1=Stan|title=Piaggio Avanti II|url=http://p1-mag.com/piaggio-avanti-ii/|access-date=17 June 2017|work=P1 Magazine|date=26 May 2011|location=Cambridge|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903075233/http://p1-mag.com/piaggio-avanti-ii/|archive-date=3 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AirportJournals">{{cite news|author1=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=The Sexy Avanti P180|url=http://airportjournals.com/the-sexy-avanti-p180/|access-date=17 June 2017|work=Airport Journals|date=1 June 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611132010/http://airportjournals.com/the-sexy-avanti-p180/|archive-date=11 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and they increase stability in flight by damping yaw and [[Dutch roll]].<ref name="Flying30Dec08" />

Gates Learjet's financial problems ended their collaboration in January 1986, but Piaggio continued the project,<ref name="Huber" /> and the first [[prototype]] flew on 23 September 1986.<ref name="Janes 88 p163">Taylor 1988, p. 163</ref> The P.180 Avanti received Italian certification on 7 March 1990<ref name="FltInt1990" /><ref name="tcds" /> and American certification was obtained on 2 October 1990.<ref name="Brasseys 99 p438">Taylor 1999, p. 439</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=De'Pompeis|first1=Roberto|last2=Cinquetti|first2=Paolo|last3=Martini|first3=P.I. Sergio|title=Development and Certification Flight Test on the Piaggio P.180 Avanti Aircraft: A General Overview|journal=SAE Technical Paper|volume=1|date=1 April 1991|doi=10.4271/911003|series=SAE Technical Paper Series |article-number=911003 }}</ref>

The first 12 [[fuselage]]s were manufactured in [[Wichita, Kansas]], with H & H Parts and Plessey Midwest, then flown to Italy for final assembly.<ref name="FltInt1990">{{cite news|author1=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Italy certificates Avanti|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%200851.html|access-date=18 June 2017|work=[[Flight International]]|date=21 March 1990|page=19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817075313/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%200851.html|archive-date=17 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Avanti Aviation Wichita ran out of money in 1994; the project languished until a group of investors led by [[Piero Ferrari]] became involved in 1998. The 100th aircraft was delivered in October 2005 and the 150th in May 2008. Piaggio reported that, as of October 2010, the Avanti and Avanti II fleets had logged over 500,000 flying hours.<ref name="FG19Oct10">{{Citation|newspaper=Flight global|date=19 October 2010|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/10/19/348645/nbaa-piaggio-embarks-on-new-phase-of-jet-development.html|title=NBAA: Piaggio embarks on 'new phase' of jet development|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141206113832/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/nbaa-piaggio-embarks-on-39new-phase39-of-jet-348645/|archive-date =6 December 2014}}</ref>

An improved '''Avanti II''' obtained European and U.S. certification in November 2005. Six months later, 70 planes had been ordered, including 36 by [[Avantair]]. Avanti II received type approval for Russia in 2011.<ref name= "Morrison">{{cite news|last1=Morrison|first1=Murdo|title=IN FOCUS: Piaggio looks to special missions market with P180 Avanti and new jet|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-piaggio-looks-to-special-missions-market-with-p180-avanti-and-new-jet-365373/|access-date=17 June 2017|work=[[Flightglobal]]|date=6 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208123650/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-piaggio-looks-to-special-missions-market-with-p180-avanti-and-new-jet-365373/ |archive-date=8 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Avanti II featured uprated [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66B]] [[turboprop]] engines and flies about 18&nbsp;km/h (11&nbsp;mph) faster, with better fuel economy; and an all-new "[[glass cockpit|glass panel]]" avionics suite from [[Rockwell Collins]] reduced cockpit clutter.<ref name= "George2010">{{cite news|last1=George|first1=Fred|title=Piaggio P180 Avanti II |url=http://awin.aviationweek.com/portals/aweek/media/Articles/p180_survey.html|access-date=19 June 2017|work= [[Aviation Week]]|date=October 2010|page= 40|quote=Perhaps its greatest asset is being the world’s most eco-friendly, twin-turbine business aircraft. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170607192634/http://awin.aviationweek.com/portals/aweek/media/Articles/p180_survey.html |archive-date=7 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Goyer">{{cite news|last1= Goyer|first1=Robert|title=Piaggio P.180 Avanti II|url= http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/turboprops/piaggio-p180-avanti-ii |access-date=19 June 2017|work=[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]]|date=19 April 2012|quote=Think of the Avanti II as a jet with props and you’ll be close to the mark…|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609202602/http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/turboprops/piaggio-p180-avanti-ii|archive-date=9 June 2017|url-status= live}}</ref> In addition to heading, attitude and navigation information, flat panel color liquid crystal displays add [[Aircraft collision avoidance systems|collision avoidance]] ([[Traffic Collision Avoidance System|TCAS]]), ground proximity ([[Terrain awareness and warning system|TAWS]]) and real-time graphic weather depiction.<ref name="Berlin">{{cite news|last1=Berlin|first1=Jeff|title=Ciao, Avanti|url= http://www.planeandpilotmag.com/article/ciao-avanti/|access-date=16 June 2017|work=Plane & Pilot|publisher=Madavor Media |date=1 March 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170715174953/http://www.planeandpilotmag.com/article/ciao-avanti/ |archive-date=15 July 2017|url-status= live}}</ref>

The Avanti is marketed as being faster than other turboprops and many midsized jets, with cost efficiency as much as 40 percent better than market-competing jets, as a result of less drag and a lower fuel burn rate.<ref name=Fogelson>{{cite web |first=Jason|last=Fogelson|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonfogelson/2012/03/15/piaggios-p180-avanti-ii-turboprop-challenges-executive-jets/5/|title=Piaggio's P180 Avanti II Turboprop Challenges Executive Jets|work=Forbes|date= 18 April 2012|access-date=16 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215103146/http://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonfogelson/2012/03/15/piaggios-p180-avanti-ii-turboprop-challenges-executive-jets/5/|archive-date=15 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Reeves">{{cite news|last1=Reeves|first1=Benjamin|title=Piaggio Aero P180 Avanti II: Too Much Private Plane Or Just Right?|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/piaggio-aero-p180-avanti-ii-too-much-private-plane-or-just-right-701456|access-date=12 June 2017|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=6 April 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170503222015/http://www.ibtimes.com/piaggio-aero-p180-avanti-ii-too-much-private-plane-or-just-right-701456|archive-date=3 May 2017|url-status= live}}</ref> Powered by the same Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66 engines as the [[Beech Super King Air 200]], the Avanti II is {{convert|100|kn|km/h}} faster than that model.<ref name="Barnard">{{cite news|last1= Barnard|first1=Bailey S.|title=Test Flight: Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti II|url= http://robbreport.com/automobiles/aviation/test-flight-piaggio-aero-p-180-avanti-ii-229619/|access-date=17 June 2017|work= [[Robb Report]]|date=4 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606080011/http://robbreport.com/automobiles/aviation/test-flight-piaggio-aero-p-180-avanti-ii-229619/|archive-date=6 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Flying (magazine)|Flying]] magazine judged the Avanti to be the "Fastest Civilian Turboprop Twin" in 2014, saying "Avanti's speed is pretty much on par with [[Cessna CitationJet/M2|Cessna's M2]], while providing more space and a lower operating cost."<ref name="Fastest">{{cite news |last1=Bergqvist|first1=Pia|title= Fastest Airplanes: Top Performers in Their Class|url=http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/fastest-aircraft-top-performers-their-class|access-date=16 June 2017|work=[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]]|date=17 September 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170903072940/http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/fastest-aircraft-top-performers-their-class |archive-date=3 September 2017|url-status= live}}</ref>

First flown in 2013, the [[#Variants|P.1HH]] UAV prototype crashed off Sicily in May 2016 after 100 hours of flight tests; a second prototype flew in July 2017 before two others joined.<ref name= "Flight29nov2018" /> The first Avanti EVO manufactured at the new $150 million factory at [[Albenga Airport]] was delivered in 2016, one year after moving production from its previous [[Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport]] plant.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/nbaa-2016/first-avanti-evo-delivered-new-piaggio-plant |title= First Avanti EVO Delivered from New Piaggio Plant |work= Aviation Week |date= 1 November 2016 |access-date= 3 November 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161104020808/http://aviationweek.com/nbaa-2016/first-avanti-evo-delivered-new-piaggio-plant |archive-date= 4 November 2016 |url-status= live }}</ref>

On 22 November 2018, Piaggio Aerospace entered [[receivership]] after declaring itself [[insolvent]] as its restructuring plan failed. After the [[2008 financial crisis]], a key US [[Fractional ownership |fractional]] customer went bankrupt and P.180 Evo sales dropped from a 2008 peak of 30 deliveries to just three in 2018. By November 2018, no P.1HHs were delivered to the UAE and the [[Italian Ministry of Defence]] €766 million support for the [[#Variants|P.2HH]] program was frozen as populist coalition partner [[Five Star Movement]] prioritized social programmes over defence spending.<ref name= Flight29nov2018>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-what-went-wrong-at-piaggio-and-is-there-a-454006/ |title= What went wrong at Piaggio and is there a way back? |date= 29 November 2018 | first = Murdo | last = Morrison |work= Flight Global |access-date= 29 November 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181129184224/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-what-went-wrong-at-piaggio-and-is-there-a-454006/ |archive-date= 29 November 2018 |url-status= live }}</ref>

On 21 June 2019, the Italian government committed to €{{#expr:260+200+160+96}} million in orders to make the business more attractive to a potential buyer: €260 million from the defence ministry for nine new Avanti Evos, plus an upgrade of 19 earlier aircraft; €200 million for engine maintenance; €160 million for the P1HH HammerHead certification completion and at least one system (two aircraft and one ground station) acquisition; and €96 million for logistics support. While the deals should be approved later, two aircraft had been delivered so far in 2019, and two more remain in the backlog.
 
Three non-binding expressions of interest to buy the aircraft business had been received, 10 for the engine business and 26 for the whole company. The official tender for the sale of Piaggio Aerospace was to start after the summer of 2019.<ref name= Flight24jun2019>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italian-government-throws-piaggio-700-million-lifel-459275/ |title= Italian government throws Piaggio €700 million lifeline |date= 24 June 2019 | first = Kate | last = Sarsfield |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 26 June 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190626062809/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italian-government-throws-piaggio-700-million-lifel-459275/ |archive-date= 26 June 2019 |url-status= live }}</ref>

By December 2020, the fleet surpassed one million flight hours. 246 aircraft have been produced, of which 213 are in service: 96 in Europe, 95 in the Americas, 18 in Asia-Pacific, and four in Africa and the Middle East.<ref name= Piaggio1dec2020>{{cite press release |url= http://www.piaggioaerospace.it/en/media/archivio/news/2020-12-01-piaggio-aerospace-the-p180-fleet-reaches-one-million-flight-hours |date= December 1, 2020 |publisher= Piaggio Aerospace |title= The P.180 fleet reaches one million flight hours}}</ref>

==Design==
The Avanti's [[Counter-rotating propellers|counter-rotating]]<ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.piaggioaerospace.it/en/media/archivio/news/2015-10-02-piaggio-aerospaces-avanti-evo-receives-easa-and-faa-certification-for-landing-gear-system |title=Piaggio Aerospace's Avanti EVO receives EASA and FAA certification for landing gear system |date=2 October 2015}}.</ref> turboprop engines are placed on a mid-set, [[Aspect ratio (wing)|high-aspect-ratio]] wing located just behind the cabin. The three-surface design incorporates both a [[T-tail]] and a pair of small, fixed forewings having slight [[Dihedral (aircraft)|anhedral]] and landing flaps. On the Avanti II these flaps automatically deploy in concert with the main wing flaps. This reduces the load on the tailplane, even when the flaps are deployed, by reducing the pitch-down moment created by the deployment of the main wing flaps. This in turn allows the size of both the tailplane and the main wing to be reduced.<ref>{{Citation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kZcn7cMVfZcC&pg=PA85 |title=Three's Company |first=Peter |last=Garrison |author-link=Peter Garrison |newspaper=Flying Magazine |date=December 2002 |access-date=22 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018152335/https://books.google.com/books?id=kZcn7cMVfZcC&pg=PA85 |archive-date=18 October 2018 |url-status=live}}.</ref><ref name="P180_Avanti-Specification"/><ref>{{Citation |publisher=DTIC |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA227604.pdf |title=Aircraft Configuration Study for Experimental 2-Place Aircraft and RPVs |date=March 1990 |access-date=2 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408132753/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA227604 |archive-date=8 April 2013 |url-status=live}}.</ref><ref>{{Citation |url=http://inter.action.free.fr/publications/canards/canards.htm |title=Des couacs chez les canards |trans-title=Quacks in the canards (ducks) |type=diagram |at=page bottom |language=fr |place=[[France|FR]] |access-date=13 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522150726/http://inter.action.free.fr/publications/canards/canards.htm |archive-date=22 May 2012 |url-status=live}}.</ref> This particular [[Three surface aircraft|three-lifting-surface configuration]] was patented in 1982.<ref name="Patent" />

[[File:LotniczePogotowieGDN.jpg|thumb|The Avanti's forward wing flaps deploy automatically with the main wing flaps to maintain neutral pitch trim.]]

The forward wing's [[angle of incidence (aerodynamics)|angle of incidence]] is slightly greater than that of the main wing, so that it stalls before the main wing, producing an automatic nose-down effect prior to the onset of main-wing stall; its five-degree anhedral (negative dihedral) keeps the stream wash interference clear of the engine inlets, the main wing and the tailplane.<ref name="P180_Avanti-Specification"/>

[[File:Piaggio P180.jpg|thumb|Showing the continuously varying curve of the fuselage cross-section and forward wing]]

The cabin cross-section varies continuously along the length of the aircraft; the shape approximates an [[NACA airfoil]] section, and the slowly changing curve helps prolong laminar flow on the front of the fuselage. Piaggio claims that the fuselage contributes up to 20% of the Avanti's total lift, with the front and rear wing providing the remaining 80%. Due to the unusual fuselage shape, the mid-cabin is considerably wider than the [[cockpit]]. The front and rear airfoils are custom sections designed by [[Gerald Gregorek|Jerry Gregorek]]<ref name="Gregorek">{{cite news |last1=Gregorek |first1=Gerald |title=A Word From the Doctor |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/word-doctor |url-access=subscription |access-date=21 June 2017 |work=[[Aviation Week]] |date=1 September 2007 |quote=The Avanti was one of the highlights of my career. The laminar flow airfoils were very clean sheet. I think they were the first of the new breed of laminar flow airfoils that demonstrated high performance at transonic speeds. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315073513/http://aviationweek.com/awin/word-doctor |archive-date=15 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> of [[Ohio State University]]'s [[Aeronautical and Astronautical Research Laboratory]] to achieve a drag-reducing 50% [[laminar flow]] at cruise. The company claims the overall design of the P.180 Avanti II enables the wing to be 34% smaller than on conventional aircraft.<ref>{{Citation |title=P.180 |contribution-url=http://www.piaggioaero.com/en/products/aircraft/p180/efficienza.php |contribution=Efficiency |publisher=Piaggio Aero |url=http://www.piaggioaero.com/en/products/aircraft/p180/efficienza.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060507043932/http://www.piaggioaero.com/en/products/aircraft/p180/efficienza.php |url-status=dead |archive-date =7 May 2006}}.</ref>

[[File:Interior of Piaggio P180 Avanti cabin facing aft.jpg|thumb|Cabin]]

The P.180 is reported to have good fuel efficiency relative to small turbojets flying in the same speed and altitude range. ''[[Flight International]]'' stated:

"The Avanti has no direct turboprop competitors, its closest jet rivals are the Raytheon [[Beechcraft Premier I|Premier I]] and the Cessna Citation CJ2+&nbsp;... Piaggio says low-drag laminar flow is maintained to around 50% of the wing chord, compared with around 20–25% for conventional tractor turboprops where propeller wash disturbs the airflow over the wing... [[Range (aeronautics)#Specific range|specific air range]] at high altitude is {{Convert|3.4|km/kg|nmi/lb|abbr=on}} compared with around {{Convert|2|km/kg|nmi/lb|abbr=on}} for current jets or {{Convert|2.7|km/kg|nmi/lb|abbr=on}} for other turboprops."<ref>{{citation |title=Flight Test: Piaggio Avanti II – Hard to beat |date=1 November 2005 |journal=Flight International |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-piaggio-avanti-ii-hard-to-beat-202480/ |last=Collins |first=Peter |access-date=3 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716004101/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-piaggio-avanti-ii-hard-to-beat-202480/ |archive-date=16 July 2012 |url-status=live}}.</ref>

By this estimate, fuel efficiency is 70% better than comparable jet aircraft, although this greater efficiency is achieved only at a relatively slow 315 KTAS and FL410.<ref>{{citation |title=Aircraft Configuration Study for Experimental 2-Place Aircraft and RPVs |date=March 1990 |journal=Naval Postgraduate School Thesis |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA227604.pdf |last=Black |first=Gary |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408131000/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA227604%2F |archive-date=8 April 2013}}.</ref> P.180 Avanti II Specifications now show slightly lower numbers for specific range of {{Convert|3.1|km/kg|nmi/lb|abbr=on}}.

Interior noise is lower than in conventional turboprop aircraft, because the propellers and engine exhausts are behind the cabin. Piaggio quotes 68&nbsp;[[A-weighting|dBA]]. However, due to the strongly disturbed flow in which the pusher propellers operate, the exterior noise is higher. The exterior noise level and its higher pitched sound has been shown to be the result primarily of the interaction of the turbine engine exhaust flows and the five-bladed pusher propellers (est. +9&nbsp;dB).<ref name="P180noise">{{Citation |url=http://www.mendeley.com/research/tonal-broadband-noise-calculations-aeroacoustic-optimization-pusher-propeller/ |title=Tonal and Broadband Noise Calculations for Aeroacoustic Optimization of a Pusher Propeller |access-date=28 December 2011 |journal=Journal of Aircraft |volume=47 |number=3 |date=May–June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504060814/http://www.mendeley.com/research/tonal-broadband-noise-calculations-aeroacoustic-optimization-pusher-propeller/ |archive-date=4 May 2011 |url-status=live}}.</ref> On takeoff, the Avanti has been measured at 81.9&nbsp;dBA sideline noise level, slightly lower than the [[Beechcraft King Air]] at 82.8&nbsp;dBA. This is below [[Aircraft noise pollution#Regulation|FAA stage-3 noise limits]], which set a maximum of 89&nbsp;[[EPNdB]] for takeoff.<ref name="FAAStageClassifications">{{Citation |contribution-url=http://www.pbia.org/Airport/Noise/Terminology.aspx |contribution=FAA Stage Classifications |access-date=13 December 2011 |title=Aircraft Noise Terminology |publisher=Palm Beach International Airport |archive-date=7 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807165219/http://www.pbia.org/airport/Noise/Terminology.aspx |url-status=dead }}.</ref><ref name="FAANoise">{{Citation |url=http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/22942 |title=Noise Levels for U.S. Certificated and Foreign Aircraft |access-date=16 October 2012 |publisher=[[Federal Aviation Administration]] |date=15 February 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031050910/http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/22942 |archive-date=31 October 2012 |url-status=live}}.</ref> However, the P.180 has been the subject of noise complaints at airports, such as [[Aspen–Pitkin County Airport]] in Colorado,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Urquhart |first1=Janet |title=Aspen airport gets earful about noisy airplane |url=http://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-airport-gets-earful-about-noisy-airplane/ |access-date=12 June 2017 |work=[[The Aspen Times|Aspen Times]] |date=9 September 2011 |quote=Operation of the P180 has climbed onto lists maintained by the airport, which tracks noise events and noise complaints, though the aircraft is actually quieter, in terms of decibels, than some private jets, according to Paul Dunholter, noise consultant for the airport. It’s the pitch that’s noticeable. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212140720/https://www.aspentimes.com/news/aspen-airport-gets-earful-about-noisy-airplane/ |archive-date=12 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as [[Naples Municipal Airport]], [[Florida]], where that airport authority determined that it was the noisiest aircraft using the facility.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Miguel-Navarro |first1=Tracy X. |title=Naples airport addressing noise complaints with Avanti aircraft |url=http://www.naplesnews.com/business/naples-airport-addressing-noise-complaints-with-avanti-aircraft-ep-395112879-330885581.html |access-date=14 December 2011 |newspaper=[[Naples Daily News]] |date=25 April 2010}}</ref> Alan Parker, chairman of the Naples Municipal Airport Authority's technical committee, described the Avanti as "irritating loud" and compared the high-pitched sound to "fingernails on a chalkboard".<ref name="AVweb27Apr10">{{cite news |url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebbiz/news/Naples_Targets_Piaggio_Noise_202459-1.html |title=Naples Targets Piaggio Noise |access-date=13 December 2011 |last=Niles |first=Russ |date=13 December 2011 |work=AVweb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501162214/http://www.avweb.com/avwebbiz/news/Naples_Targets_Piaggio_Noise_202459-1.html |archive-date=1 May 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Piaggio P.180 Avanti has a sea-level standard-day maximum-gross-weight takeoff distance of {{convert|869|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} and a landing roll of {{convert|872|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Piaggio |url=http://www.piaggioaero.com/#/en/products/p180-avanti-ii/overview |title=P180 Avanti II |url-status=dead |access-date=28 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123211909/http://www.piaggioaero.com/#/en/products/p180-avanti-ii/overview |archive-date=23 January 2013}}</ref>

Deliveries were at a high of 30 in 2008, but only two in 2013.

In 2014 Piaggio announced development of an updated version, named EVO.<ref>{{citation |last=Sarsfield |first=Kate |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hartzell-to-supply-propellers-for-new-avanti-evo-402467/ |title=Hartzell to supply propellers for new Avanti EVO |work=Flight Global |publisher=Reed Business Information |date=7 August 2014 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809170130/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hartzell-to-supply-propellers-for-new-avanti-evo-402467 |archive-date=9 August 2014 |url-status=live}}.</ref> It uses new Hartzell composite propellers, with blades of scimitar configuration. Its wings carry new winglets; aerodynamic improvements have been incorporated, and an additional 60-gallon (400&nbsp;lb) fuel tank option to increase range to {{convert|1770|nmi|abbr=off}}.<ref name="George">{{cite news |last1=George |first1=Fred |title=Avanti Launches EVO: An Improved Avanti II |url=http://aviationweek.com/ebace/avanti-launches-evo-improved-avanti-ii |access-date=12 June 2017 |work=[[Aviation Week]] |date=20 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019010456/http://aviationweek.com/ebace/avanti-launches-evo-improved-avanti-ii |archive-date=19 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Dedicated">{{cite web |title=P180 Avanti EVO |url=http://www.avantievo.piaggioaerospace.it/ |website=Avanti EVO dedicated site |publisher=[[Piaggio Aerospace]] |access-date=12 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627035717/http://www.avantievo.piaggioaerospace.it/ |archive-date=27 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> The company predicts improved climb performance, 250&nbsp;nmi greater range, and 3% reduction in fuel usage. The revised propeller shape, combined with a lower engine speed, promises a 68% reduction in external noise. Avanti EVO type certification was granted by [[European Aviation Safety Agency|EASA]] on 28 November 2014,<ref name="TCDS">{{cite web |title=TCDS EASA.A.059 Issue 10 |url=https://www.easa.europa.eu/documents/type-certificates/aircraft-cs-25-cs-22-cs-23-cs-vla-cs-lsa/easaa059 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004010325/http://easa.europa.eu/documents/type-certificates/aircraft-cs-25-cs-22-cs-23-cs-vla-cs-lsa/easaa059 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 October 2015 |website=EASA |publisher=[[European Aviation Safety Agency]] |access-date=12 June 2017 |date=23 May 2017}}</ref> and by the [[Federal Aviation Administration|FAA]] on 6 July 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=TCDS A59EU Rev 22 Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. |url=http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/15c345078fc7ee5e86257eb5006f4264/$FILE/A59EU_Rev_22.pdf |website=Regulatory and Guidance Library |publisher=[[Federal Aviation Administration]] |access-date=13 June 2017 |date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115015716/http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/15c345078fc7ee5e86257eb5006f4264/$FILE/A59EU_Rev_22.pdf |archive-date=15 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Projected purchase price was $7.4 million in 2014.<ref>[http://aviationweek.com/zhuhai-2014/piaggio-says-chinese-italian-style Piaggio Says Chinese Like Italian Style]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129130706/http://aviationweek.com/zhuhai-2014/piaggio-says-chinese-italian-style |date=29 November 2014 }}, [[Aviation Week & Space Technology]], 11 November 2014.</ref> By 2021 the equipped price was $7.695 million.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://infogram.com/bca-table-turboprops-1hxr4zx0x1eko6y?live |title= Purchase planning handbook - turboprops table |date= Second Quarter 2021 |work= Business & Commercial Aircraft}}</ref> The first EVO was delivered in April 2015, with five more to follow the same year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/piaggio-avanti-evo-enters-service-411436/ |title=Piaggio Avanti Evo enters service |last=Sarsfield |first=Kate |work=flightglobal.com |access-date=22 April 2015 |date=21 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426003205/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/piaggio-avanti-evo-enters-service-411436/ |archive-date=26 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Piaggio P-180 Avanti II at LIMJ.jpg|thumb|Two Avantis leaving assembly for testing]]
[[File:Piaggio comparison.jpg|thumb|Comparison between Avanti, P180 MPA and P1HH]]

;P.180 Avanti
:First production variant.

;P180 M
:Military version with a combination passenger/freighter configuration for use as a VIP and light utility transport.

;P.180 RM
:Variant for use in radio calibration.

;P.180 AMB
:Air ambulance variant.<ref name="Huettel">{{cite news|last1=Huettel|first1=Steve|title=Air Ambulance Worldwide helps critically ill patients around the globe|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/airlines/air-ambulance-worldwide-helps-critically-ill-patients-around-the-globe/1106737|access-date=15 June 2017|work=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|date=4 July 2010|quote=Mark Jones describes his company’s newest ambulance, the Piaggio P180, as 'a turboprop that thinks it’s a jet.'|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808170216/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/airlines/air-ambulance-worldwide-helps-critically-ill-patients-around-the-globe/1106737|archive-date=8 August 2010}}</ref>

;P.180 APH
:Aerial [[cartography]].

;{{visible anchor|P.180 Avanti II}}
:Variant with improved avionics and engines.<ref name="tcds">{{cite web|url=http://www.easa.eu.int/certification/type-certificates/docs/aircrafts/EASA-TCDS-A.059_Piaggio_Aero_Industies_Spa_P.180-06-18022011.pdf|title=EASA TCDS EASA.A.059 Piaggio P.180|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401063811/http://www.easa.eu.int/certification/type-certificates/docs/aircrafts/EASA-TCDS-A.059_Piaggio_Aero_Industies_Spa_P.180-06-18022011.pdf|archive-date=1 April 2012}}</ref>

;P-180 EVO+
:Variant with 400kt TAS and higher useful load.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=AOPA Pilot|title=Avanti EVO deliveries begin|date=March 2015|page=48}}</ref>

;Multirole Patrol Aircraft (MPA)
:Initially called ''Maritime Patrol Aircraft'', MPA is a variant of the Avanti II with a larger wingspan and bigger fuel tanks.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sweetman|first1=Bill|author-link=Bill Sweetman|title=Piaggio, Saab Tackle Ambitious MPA Program|url= http://aviationweek.com/defense/piaggio-saab-tackle-ambitious-mpa-program |access-date=19 June 2017|work=[[Aviation Week]]|date=11 July 2012}}</ref> As with the EVO propulsion system, MPA uses more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66B engines and Hartzell five-blade scimitar propellers.<ref name="Bergqvist">{{cite news|last1=Bergqvist|first1=Pia|title=Piaggio Rolls Out MPA|url=http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/turboprops/piaggio-rolls-out-mpa|access-date=13 June 2017|work=[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]]|date=10 November 2015|quote=Italian twin-turboprop modified for military missions.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622212141/http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/turboprops/piaggio-rolls-out-mpa|archive-date=22 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> MPA electronics include the ''Albatros'' mission system from [[Saab Group]] and ''Pro Line Fusion'' avionics from [[Rockwell Collins]].<ref name="Tomkins">{{cite news|last1=Tomkins|first1=Richard|title=New multirole aircraft shown by Piaggio Aerospace|url=http://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2015/11/16/Piaggio-Aerospace-rolls-out-new-multi-role-turboprop/3431447695936/|access-date=13 June 2017|agency=[[United Press International|UPI]]|date=16 November 2016|quote=Piaggio Aerospace has rolled out a new multi-role aircraft it is developing with a company from the United Arab Emirates.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215151615/http://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2015/11/16/Piaggio-Aerospace-rolls-out-new-multi-role-turboprop/3431447695936/|archive-date=15 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Piaggio P.1HH HammerHead at Paris Air Show 2013 2.jpg|thumb|P.1HH HammerHead at Paris Air Show 2013]]

;Piaggio-Selex P.1HH Hammerhead
:[[Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle]] based on the Avanti II airframe, with an increased wingspan and the ability to carry up to {{convert|1100|lb}} of weapons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/piaggio-aero-unveils-p1hh-hammerhead-uas-2013-6|title=The Italian Air Force Is Buying 10 Of These Strange-Looking Drones|last=Davies|first=Alex|date=19 June 2013|work=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=2 August 2013|location=New York|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901123037/http://www.businessinsider.com/piaggio-aero-unveils-p1hh-hammerhead-uas-2013-6|archive-date=1 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The P.1HH HammerHead Mission Management System is based on the [[Selex ES]] (now [[Leonardo S.p.A.]]) skyISTAR solution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.selex-es.com/-/piaggio-aero-hammerhead-uas-launch|title=Piaggio Aero Industries unveils at the 2013 Paris Air Show – DETAIL – Selex ES|access-date=26 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511120750/http://www.selex-es.com/-/piaggio-aero-hammerhead-uas-launch|archive-date=11 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Osborne">{{cite news|last1=Osborne|first1=Tony|title=Piaggio Reveals Unmanned Avanti|url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/piaggio-reveals-unmanned-avanti|access-date=14 June 2017|work=[[Aviation Week]]|date=18 February 2013|quote=The Hammerhead will be controlled from mission control stations produced by Selex, with line of sight and beyond line of sight using satellite communications.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903091901/http://aviationweek.com/defense/piaggio-reveals-unmanned-avanti|archive-date=3 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The vehicle's first flight took place in December 2013 from [[Vincenzo Florio Airport Trapani–Birgi#Italian Air Force|Trapani–Birgi Italian Air Force base]].<ref name="Eshel" /><ref name="Kington" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lznciYMmo54|title=First Flight of the P.1HH HammerHead UAS|work=YouTube|access-date=26 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514105137/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lznciYMmo54|archive-date=14 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> 
:The [[Italian Air Force]] signed an agreement with Piaggio Aerospace to buy three Unmanned Aerial System P.1HH HammerHead (six aircraft and three ground control stations) with delivery starting from the early months of 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.analisidifesa.it/2015/02/laeronautica-cliente-di-lancio-del-piaggio-p-1hh/|title=L'Aeronautica "cliente di lancio" del Piaggio P.1HH – Analisi Difesa|work=analisidifesa.it|access-date=22 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402091140/http://www.analisidifesa.it/2015/02/laeronautica-cliente-di-lancio-del-piaggio-p-1hh/|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Eshel">{{cite news|last1=Eshel|first1=Tamir|title=Italian Air Force to acquire six HammerHead MALE UAVs|url=http://defense-update.com/20150226_hammerhead_uav.html|access-date=14 June 2017|work=[[Defense Update]]|date=26 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527012419/http://defense-update.com/20150226_hammerhead_uav.html|archive-date=27 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kington">{{cite news|last1=Kington|first1=Tom|title=Italian AF First To Buy HammerHead UAV|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/defense/2015/02/26/italy-p1hh-hammerhead-uav-piaggio/24060511/|access-date=14 June 2017|work=[[USA Today]]|date=26 February 2015}}</ref> [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] ordered eight P.1HH aircraft.<ref name="Chong">{{cite news|last1=Chong|first1=Jordan|title=Piaggio looks to increase awareness in Australia at Avalon|url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/02/piaggio-looks-to-increase-awareness-in-australia-at-avalon/|access-date=11 June 2017|work=[[Australian Aviation]]|date=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705181250/http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/02/piaggio-looks-to-increase-awareness-in-australia-at-avalon/|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Stevenson">{{cite news|last1=Stevenson|first1=Beth|title=UAE announced as first export customer for Hammerhead UAV|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uae-announced-as-first-export-customer-for-hammerhea-422929/|access-date=14 June 2017|work=[[Flightglobal]]|date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218211320/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uae-announced-as-first-export-customer-for-hammerhea-422929/|archive-date=18 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On 31 May 2016 the first P.1HH prototype crashed off the [[Sicily|Sicilian]] coast,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kington|first1=Tom|title=Piaggio Aero Drone Prototype Crashes in Mediterranean|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/policy-budget/industry/2016/06/01/piaggio-aero-drone-uav-mediterranean-crash/85241316/|access-date=14 June 2017|work=[[Defense News]]|date=1 June 2016|quote=Given that the crashed aircraft was the only version flying, the delivery schedule may suffer while investigators seek the cause of the incident.}}</ref><ref name="Murdo">{{cite news|first=Murdo|last=Morrison|title=INTERVIEW: Piaggio chief executive Renato Vaghi|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/interview-piaggio-chief-executive-renato-vaghi-431524/|access-date=14 June 2017|work=[[Flightglobal]]|date=22 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129184151/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/interview-piaggio-chief-executive-renato-vaghi-431524/|archive-date=29 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> delaying flight testing for thirteen months during construction of a second prototype. Piaggio flew the second prototype at Trapani–Birgi military airport on 5 July 2017<ref name="Murdo2017">{{cite news|first=Murdo|last=Morrison|title=Piaggio resumes flight testing of P.1HH HammerHead UAV|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/piaggio-resumes-flight-testing-of-p1hh-hammerhead-u-439082/|access-date=18 September 2017|work=[[Flightglobal]]|date=6 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720175551/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/piaggio-resumes-flight-testing-of-p1hh-hammerhead-u-439082/|archive-date=20 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The UAE was to take delivery of six P.1HHs in 2018 and the remaining two in 2019,<ref name=Flight6jun2018/> however by November 2018, no P.1HHs had been delivered and Piaggio Aerospace requested to be placed into [[receivership]].<ref name=Flight29nov2018/>

; P.2HH
: Piaggio develops with Leonardo, the Italian and UAE Armed Forces a P.1HH successor for 2023, with a new wing, more [[composite materials]], and re-thought systems.<ref name=Flight6jun2018>{{cite news |title= Piaggio developing successor to P.1HH UAV |date= 6 June 2018 |author= Murdo Morrison |work= FlightGlobal}}</ref> With a larger wing and airframe, maximum [[endurance (aircraft)|endurance]] rose to 30&nbsp;h, but following the [[2018 Italian election]], the country's €766 million program for 20 aircraft and 10 control stations was suspended.<ref name=Flight29nov2018/>

;B.TL.20
:({{langx|th|บ.ตล.๒๐}}) [[Royal Thai Armed Forces]] designation for the Avanti EVO.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

==Operators==

===Civil===
The Avanti is operated by charter companies and small feeder airlines, and is also used as a business aircraft. The [[Fractional ownership|fractional aircraft operator]] [[Avantair]] was Piaggio's largest client, with a fleet of 57 Avanti aircraft,<ref name="Fogelson" /> before they went bankrupt and the fleet was liquidated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.avantair.com/press-release/avantair-inc.-reports-fiscal-2012-third-quarter-financial-results.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624124226/http://www.avantair.com/press-release/avantair-inc.-reports-fiscal-2012-third-quarter-financial-results.html|url-status=dead|title=Avantair, Inc. Reports Fiscal 2012 Third Quarter Financial Results, See "fleet of 57 aircraft" at bottom of page|archive-date=24 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Chad Trautvetter|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2014-02-01/selling-avantair-piece-piece|title=Selling Off Avantair, Piece by Piece &#124; Aviation International News|publisher=Ainonline.com|access-date=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429234238/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2014-02-01/selling-avantair-piece-piece|archive-date=29 April 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2017, 220 aircraft were in operation around the world,<ref name=AvWeek22may2017>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/ebace-2017/piaggio-steps-its-comeback |title= Piaggio Steps Up Its Comeback |date= 22 May 2017 |author= John Morris |work= ShowNews |publisher= Aviation Week Network |access-date= 22 May 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170619200851/http://aviationweek.com/ebace-2017/piaggio-steps-its-comeback |archive-date= 19 June 2017 |url-status= live }}</ref> with 89 being first-generation Avanti, 126 second-generation Avanti II and 6 Avanti EVO models.<ref>{{cite web|author1=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Avanti EVO now available in MedEvac|url=http://www.fly-corporate.com/avanti-evo-now-available-medevac/|website=FlyCorporate|access-date=11 June 2017|date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225103114/http://www.fly-corporate.com/avanti-evo-now-available-medevac/|archive-date=25 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

A Piaggio Avanti [[San Diego]]-to-[[Charleston, South Carolina|Charleston]] flight in 2003, piloted by [[Joe Ritchie]] with co-pilot [[Steve Fossett]], set [[National Aeronautic Association]] and [[Fédération Aéronautique Internationale]] transcontinental speed records with an average speed of {{convert|475.2|kn}},<ref>{{cite web|title=FAI Record ID #7631|url=https://www.fai.org/record/7631|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125200048/https://www.fai.org/record/7631|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2022|website=FAI portal|publisher=[[Fédération Aéronautique Internationale]]|access-date=16 June 2017}}</ref> breaking the previous Los Angeles to New York turboprop record of 395.21 knots set by [[Chuck Yeager]] in 1986 in a [[Piper PA-42 Cheyenne|Piper Cheyenne 400LS]]. Elapsed time for the Avanti's coast-to-coast trip was 3:51:52.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Harrison|first1=Kirby J.|title=Piaggio gets confirmation of Avanti speed records|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2008-08-04/piaggio-gets-confirmation-avanti-speed-records|website=AINonline|publisher=Aviation International News|access-date=16 June 2017|date=4 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905023242/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2008-08-04/piaggio-gets-confirmation-avanti-speed-records|archive-date=5 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Government===
{{BUL}}
*[[Bulgarian Air Force]]
** [[28th Air Detachment]]<ref>Aboulafia, Richard. ''Jane's Civil Aircraft'', 1996, Harper Collins, p. 197</ref>

{{CAN}}
*[[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] (former operator – aircraft sold in 2014)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/rcmp-sells-sleek-plane-for-half-of-asking-price-1.2715734|title=RCMP sells sleek plane for half of asking price|date=24 July 2014|work=[[CBC News]]|access-date=3 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917101332/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/rcmp-sells-sleek-plane-for-half-of-asking-price-1.2715734|archive-date=17 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{ITA}}
* [[Italian Air Force]]<ref name="Brasseys 99 p438-9">Taylor 1999, pp. 438–39.</ref> operates 17 Piaggio P.180 Avanti since 1994 and 9 P-180 EVO+ since November 2024<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/mezzi/mlinea/Pagine/P180.aspx | title = P 180 | publisher = Aeronautica Militare | access-date = 16 July 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160815231945/http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/mezzi/mlinea/Pagine/P180.aspx | archive-date = 15 August 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/comunicazione/notizie/archivio/2012/Pagine/SiglatoAccordotraAMeProtezioneCivile_300512.aspx | title = Accordo A.M. E Dipartimento Protezione Civile | publisher = Aeronautica Militare |access-date = 17 December 2020}}</ref>
* [[Italian Army]]<ref name="Brasseys 99 p438-9"/>
* [[Italian Navy]]<ref name="Flight WAF09 p43">''Flight International'' 15–21 December 2009, p. 43</ref>
* [[Carabinieri]]<ref>{{Citation|publisher=Carabinieri|language=it|contribution=Servizio aereo|trans-title=Central organisations|title=Organizzazione centrale|place=IT|contribution-url=http://www.carabinieri.it/Internet/Arma/Oggi/Reparti/Organizzazione+Centrale/Servizio+Aereo/01_Servizio_Aereo.htm|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-date=13 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813134640/http://www.carabinieri.it/Internet/Arma/Oggi/Reparti/Organizzazione+Centrale/Servizio+Aereo/01_Servizio_Aereo.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Guardia di Finanza]]<ref>{{Citation|contribution=La flotta aerea|title=Servizio aeronavale|trans-title=Aeronaval service|language=it|place=IT|publisher=GDF|contribution-url=http://www.gdf.gov.it/GdF/it/Specializzazioni/Servizio_Aeronavale/La_componente_Aerea/La_flotta_aerea/info-1799689673.html|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215041039/http://www.gdf.gov.it/GdF/it/Specializzazioni/Servizio_Aeronavale/La_componente_Aerea/La_flotta_aerea/info-1799689673.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Corps of the Port Captaincies – Coast Guard]]<ref>{{Citation|title=P.180|url=http://www.guardiacostiera.it/mezzi/p180.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605192430/http://www.guardiacostiera.it/mezzi/p180.cfm|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 June 2011|publisher=Guardia costiera|place=IT}}</ref>
* [[Polizia di Stato]]<ref>{{Citation|url=http://www.poliziadistato.it/articolo/view/24326/|title=Polizia di Stato|trans-title=State police|language=it|place=IT|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903165058/http://www.poliziadistato.it/articolo/view/24326/|archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[State Forestry Corps (Italy)|Corpo Forestale dello Stato]]<ref>{{Citation|url=http://www3.corpoforestale.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/527|title=Corpo forestale|trans-title=Forest Corp|language=it|place=IT|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903130234/http://www3.corpoforestale.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/527|archive-date=3 September 2014}}</ref>
* [[Vigili del Fuoco|Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco]]<ref>{{Citation|title=Piaggio aero|date=April 2007|url=http://www.piaggioaero.com/#/it/corporate/media-center/2007/aprile|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050911003637/http://www.piaggioaero.com/#/it/corporate/media-center/2007/aprile|archive-date=11 September 2005}}</ref>
* [[ENAV|Ente Nazionale per l'Assistenza al Volo]]<ref>{{Citation|title=Servizi e attività|language=it|trans-title=Services & activities|place=IT|publisher=Enav|url=http://www.enav.it/portal/page/portal/PortaleENAV/Home/ServiziEAttivita?CurrentPath=/enav/it/servizi_attivita/radiomisure|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924000635/http://www.enav.it/portal/page/portal/PortaleENAV/Home/ServiziEAttivita?CurrentPath=%2Fenav%2Fit%2Fservizi_attivita%2Fradiomisure|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>

{{POL}}
*[[Polish Medical Air Rescue]] (LPR) – 2 (1 Avanti, 1 Avanti II)<ref>{{cite web |title=Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe- Flota |trans-title=Polish Medical Air Rescue - Fleet |url=https://www.lpr.com.pl/pl/flota/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227170240/https://www.lpr.com.pl/pl/flota/ |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=5 April 2025 |publisher=[[Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe]] |language=PL}}</ref>

{{RUS}}
*[[Federal State Unitary Enterprise "State ATM Corporation"]] – 1 (1 Avanti II)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gkovd.ru/en/news/state-atm-corporation-participates-in-international-aerospace-show-maks-2017|title=State ATM Corporation Participates in International Aerospace Show MAKS-2017|language=EN|access-date=7 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730183042/http://www.gkovd.ru/en/news/state-atm-corporation-participates-in-international-aerospace-show-maks-2017/|archive-date=30 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{UAE}}
* [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] – 2<ref name="Peaford">{{cite news|last1=Peaford|first1=Alan|title=PARIS AIR SHOW: UAE selects Piaggio Avanti for multi-utility role|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-air-show-uae-selects-piaggio-avanti-for-multi-327871/ |access-date=15 June 2017|work=[[Flightglobal]]|date=15 June 2009|quote=The United Arab Emirates air force has selected the Piaggio P180 Avanti II as part of a fleet expansion programme, which includes two of the business aircraft for use as light multi-utility aircraft.}}</ref><ref name="Gale">{{cite news|last1=Gale|first1=Ivan|title=Air Force purchases two aircraft from Italy's Piaggio Aero|url= http://www.thenational.ae/business/air-force-purchases-two-aircraft-from-italys-piaggio-aero |access-date=15 June 2017|work=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]|date=15 June 2009|location=Abu Dhabi}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
On 21 October 2022, [[Gold's Gym]] owner [[Rainer Schaller]], his wife, his two children, and two others were killed in the crash of a German-registered Avanti into the ocean near [[Limón]], [[Costa Rica]]. The flight had departed [[Palenque, Mexico]].<ref name="Niles23Oct22">{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/golds-gym-owner-family-killed-in-costa-rica-crash/|title= Gold's Gym Owner, Family Killed In Costa Rica Crash|access-date= 24 October 2022 |last= Niles|first= Russ|work= AVweb|date= 23 October 2022|archive-url= https://archive.today/20221024120755/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/golds-gym-owner-family-killed-in-costa-rica-crash/|archive-date= 24 October 2022|url-status= live}}</ref>

==Specifications (P180 Avanti EVO)==
[[File:2010-04-11 14 28 33 Switzerland Kloten Kaserne (cropped).jpg|thumb|Planform view of the Avanti, highlighting its unusual design]]
[[File:P180 Avanti.jpg|thumb|Three-view diagram and cross-section]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Aviation Week<ref name=BCA-2016>{{cite news |url= http://www.sellajet.com/adpages/BCA-2016.pdf |title= Operations Planning Guide |publisher= Aviation Week |work= Business & Commercial Aviation |date= May 2016 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160815060134/http://www.sellajet.com/adpages/BCA-2016.pdf |archive-date= 15 August 2016 |df= dmy-all }}</ref>

|prime units?=met

<!-- General characteristics -->
|crew=1
|capacity=7–9
|length ft=47.3
|height ft=13
|span ft=46
|wing area sqft={{#expr:12100/70.3round1}} <!-- MTOW / loading -->
|airfoil=PE 1300G (root), PE 1491G/1332G (tip) <ref name=IncompleteGuide>{{cite web|last1=Lednicer|first1=David|title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage|url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html|website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu|accessdate=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|aspect ratio={{#expr:14/(16/14)round1}}
|empty weight lb=8,375
|max takeoff weight lb=12,100
|fuel capacity={{convert|2802|lb|kg|0|order=flip|abbr=on}}
|more general=
* '''Max landing weight:''' {{convert|11500|lb|kg|0|order=flip|abbr=on}}
* '''Max zero-fuel weight:''' {{convert|9800|lb|kg|0|order=flip|abbr=on}}
* '''Cabin:''' {{convert|17.5|ft|m}} long, {{convert|5.8|ft|m}} high, {{convert|6.1|ft|m}} wide (3.5 ft floor)
* '''Foreplane area:''' 2.19 m² (23.59 ft²)<ref name = "P180_Avanti-Specification"/>
* '''Horizontal stabilizer area:''' 3.83 m² (41.27 ft²)<ref name = "P180_Avanti-Specification">{{Cite web |publisher= Piaggio |url= http://www.smartcockpit.com/aircraft-ressources/P180_Avanti-Specification_and_Description.html |title= P180 Avanti-Specification and Description |date= January 2005 |access-date= 13 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131108085503/http://www.smartcockpit.com/aircraft-ressources/P180_Avanti-Specification_and_Description.html |archive-date= 8 November 2013 |url-status= live }}</ref><!-- not unreliable : original piaggio specs -->

<!-- Powerplant -->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6]]A-66B
|eng1 type=[[turboprop]]
|eng1 shp=850
|eng1 note= ISA+28C Flat Rated

<!-- Performance -->
|max speed kts=400
|max speed note=FL310 high speed cruise
|cruise speed kts=318
|cruise speed note=FL410 long range cruise
|minimum control speed kts=100
|range nmi=1,510
|range note=4 passengers, NBAA IFR, 100-nm alternate
|ferry range nmi=1,530
|ceiling ft=41,000
|time to altitude=10 min to FL 250
|wing loading lb/sqft=70.3
|fuel consumption lb/mi=0.779
|power/mass={{convert|{{#expr:1/(12100/(850*2))round2}}|hp/lb|W/kg|abbr=on|order=flip}}
|thrust/weight=
|more performance=
* '''Takeoff (SL, ISA):''' {{convert|3262|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}
}}

==See also==
{{Aircontent|
|related=
|similar aircraft=
* [[Beechcraft Super King Air]]
* [[Beechcraft Starship]]
* [[NAL Saras]]
|lists=
* [[List of civil aircraft]]
|see also=
}}

==References==
;Notes
{{reflist}}

;Bibliography
{{refbegin}}
* Taylor, John W.R. (ed.) ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Defence Data, 1988. {{ISBN|0-7106-0867-5}}.
* Taylor, Michael J.H. (ed.) ''Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition''. London: Brassey's, 1999. {{ISBN|1-85753-245-7}}.
* "World Air Forces Directory 2009". ''[[Flight International]]'', 15–21 December 2009, pp.&nbsp;33–53.

{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{official website}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.aib.dk/index.php?option=com_contentbuilder&controller=details&record_id=208&Itemid=225 |title= Final Report HCLJ510-2011-33 N108GF |page= 82 |publisher= [[Accident Investigation Board Denmark]] |date= 27 September 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{cite news |url= http://awin.aviationweek.com/portals/aweek/media/Articles/p180_survey.html |title= Piaggio P180 Avanti II |work= Business & Commercial Aviation |date= October 2010}}
* {{cite news |url= http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/turboprops/piaggio-p180-avanti-ii |title= Piaggio P.180 Avanti II |work= Flying magazine |date= 19 April 2012}}
* {{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-07-18/pilot-report-piaggio-avanti-evo |title= Pilot Report: Piaggio Avanti Evo |author= Richard Ward |date= 18 July 2018 |work= AIN online}}

{{Piaggio aircraft}}
{{Italian military aircraft}}
{{Italian Army liaison aircraft designations}}
{{Thai transport aircraft designations}}
{{Portal bar|Italy|Companies|Aviation}}

[[Category:Piaggio aircraft|P180 Avanti]]
[[Category:1980s Italian business aircraft]]
[[Category:1980s Italian civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Twin-turboprop pusher aircraft]]
[[Category:Three-surface aircraft]]
[[Category:Engine-over-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:T-tail aircraft]]
[[Category:Mid-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1986]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]