Piaggio P-166DL3
The Piaggio P.166DL3 is the turboprop-engined evolution of Piaggio's distinctive twin pusher-engine utility aircraft, itself derived from the P.136 amphibian and recognisable by its high-mounted, rearward-facing propellers. Designed by Alessandro Mazzoni, the DL3 first flew on 3 July 1976 with 600hp Lycoming LTP101 turboprops replacing the earlier piston engines, and production totalled 36 aircraft for roles including the Italian Air Force, Coast Guard, and Alitalia's flying school. A dedicated maritime-surveillance version, the P.166DL3/SEM, was built in greater numbers still for the Italian Coast Guard and Guardia di Finanza, patrolling Italian waters and monitoring pollution from the air.
Did you know?
A turboprop P.166 descendant of Piaggio's P.136 amphibian, recognizable at a glance by its high-mounted twin pusher propellers.
Specifications
| Length | 11.6 m (38 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 14.6 m (48 ft) |
| Height | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Persons on board | 9 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 4.3 t |
| Range | 1,150 NM (2,130 km) |
| Stall speed | 75 kt (139 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Rate of climb | 2,200 ft/min (11.2 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 665 m (2,182 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 1,986 l |
| Units built | 14 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
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