Piaggio Aerospace has successfully completed the retrofit process of the first P.180 intended for the Italian Air Force. The aircraft’s modernization concluded after a series of test flights, and the updated aircraft is now designated as Piaggio P.180 Avanti II+.
The retrofit work was carried out by Piaggio’s technicians and engineers, involving the update of the aircraft and interiors, as well as certification and delivery. These tasks were performed on a P.180 Avanti I aircraft, the first version of the Avanti platform.
The new Avanti II, delivered to the Italian Air Force, will serve as the «lead aircraft,» acting as a model for the other 12 planes to be incorporated by the Italian defense. Furthermore, the long-term modernization program for the air force fleet includes the production of 15 P.180 Avanti EVO+.
The first P.180 EVO+ departed from Piaggio’s facilities in Villanova d’Albenga to the company’s hangars in Genoa. In this location, the aircraft will undergo painting and interior equipment processes.
Both the modernized aircraft and the new ones will be equipped with updated avionics, landing gear with improved steering and anti-skid systems, and more efficient new brakes.
