Twin Engine • Piaggio • P.166, P.166-B35, P.166-DL3, P.166-DL3-38, P.166-AL2/3
| Manufacturer | Piaggio |
| Model | P.166 |
| Category | Twin Engine |
| Variants | P.166, P.166-B35, P.166-DL3, P.166-DL3-38, P.166-AL2/3 |
| Production Years | 1957 – 1989 |
| Seating | 6, 7, 8 seats |
| Typical TTAF | 4,200 hours |
| Markets | Italy, United States, Germany, France, Canada |
| Price Range | $120K – $450K |
The Piaggio P.166 is an Italian twin-engine utility aircraft first introduced in the 1950s, representing a significant advancement in regional transport and reconnaissance capability. Originally developed with retractable landing gear and powerful piston engines, the aircraft became known for its versatility, reliability, and exceptional performance in challenging operational environments. The P.166 was widely adopted by military forces, particularly the Italian Air Force, for transport, patrol, and reconnaissance missions, while also seeing civilian use for executive transport and charter operations. The aircraft's distinctive design features include high-wing configuration, rugged construction, and excellent short-field performance characteristics. Its ability to operate from unprepared airstrips and carry meaningful payloads made it particularly valuable for remote area operations. The P.166 established itself as a workhorse in both military and civilian aviation sectors, with variants optimized for specific missions including patrol, transport, and air ambulance duties. The aircraft remains sought after by vintage aircraft enthusiasts and operators requiring reliable twin-engine capability.
Maximum Speed: 280 km/h (174 mph)
Cruise Speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
Range: 2,100 km (1,305 miles)
Service Ceiling: 7,000 meters (23,000 feet)
Engines: 2 × Lycoming IO-540-A1A (or equivalent variants)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 3,850 kg (8,487 lbs)
Empty Weight: 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)
Wingspan: 14.67 meters (48.1 feet)
Length: 10.03 meters (32.9 feet)
Fuel Capacity: 1,000 liters (264 gallons)