The P.166 is a light utility aircraft developed and manufactured by Piaggio since the 1960s.  Many versions of the P.166 have evolved, adapting it to several roles including:

Executive Transport
Air Ambulance
Multi-Engine Trainer
Maritime Reconnaissance and Search
Aerophotogrammetry

The original P.166 was a pusher type aircraft, powered by two Lycoming piston engines, each with 340 SHP.  The last series of P.166, the P.166-DL3, was built by Piaggio during the 1976 – 1991 years.  These aircraft are still in operation with Italian government organizations.  Powered by two Avco-Lycoming turboprop engines rated at 559 SHP, the P.166-DL3 and variants are operated by the following customers: 

• Italian Air Force – The P.166-DL3 APH aircraft is equipped for Aerophotogrammetry and is operated by the 14th Air Group of Pratica di Mare.  The IAF has used the aircraft for photogrammetry missions in support of a United Nations mission in the Horn of Africa to map the future boundary between Ethiopia and Eritrea.  The “Flamingos” have logged more than 20,000 flight hours on similar sorties.

• Italian Coast Guard – The Capitanerie di Porto utilize the P.166-DL3 SEM equipped for all weather operations in Maritime Patrol, Search and Rescue, Environmental Surveillance, etc.  Some 30,000 flight hours have been accumulated to date.

• Italian Customs Police – The Guardia di Finanza operate the P.166-DL3 GdF aircraft equipped for all weather operations in Maritime Patrol, Search and Rescue, Smuggling Surveillance, and other secondary missions.  They have logged over 35,000 flight hours to date.

The latest model of the P.166 is the P.166-DP1.  This aircraft is a Mid-life update developed for the Italian Guardia di Finanza.  The new model features:

• Pratt & Whitney PT6-A121 turboprop engines.
• Collins Proline II Avionics and Autopilot
• Single Point Pressure Re-Fueling
• Bleed Air Heating and Air Conditioning System
• Interior Improvements
• VMA Surveillance Mission System including:
• Fully Integrated Tactical Console
• Day and Night Thermal Imager
• TV Color Camera
• Weather Radar
• IR/UV Scanner for Environmental Survey with a dedicated console