Hartzell Propeller will supply new lightweight propellers to Piaggio Aero for its third-generation P180 Avanti.
The EVO twin-pusher will have highly swept, wide-chord aluminium alloy propellers – each 216cm (85in) in diameter. When combined with changes to the nacelle and engine exhaust geometry, the props reduce external noise by 5dB, Piaggio says.
This represents a 68% improvement over the type’s Avanti II predecessor. Cabin noise is also lowered by 20% – or 1dB – thanks in large part to Hartzell’s five-blade scimitar design.
“The tremendous noise reduction in the Avanti EVO is a huge engineering achievement for the Piaggio and Hartzell development team," says Piaggio Aero chief executive Carlo Logli.
"As Piaggio Aero embarks on a new chapter in its growth and development, the new aircraft is a perfect starting point that underpins future growth,” he continues.
Mubadala-owned Piaggio launched the EVO in May in an attempt to revitalise sales of its beleaguered turboprop, which has been a casualty of the embattled light and midsize business aircraft sector.
Deliveries of the Avanti II have fallen from a record 30 aircraft in 2008 to just two last year, according to Flightglobal’s Ascend Online Fleets database.
The final three Avanti IIs will be handed over before the end of the third quarter, paving the way for EVO deliveries to begin by the end of the year.
The $7.4 million EVO – which has completed more than 100h of flight testing – incorporates a host of improvements and upgrades over the Avanti II, including a revamped and quieter interior, enhanced safety features such as anti-skid brakes, lower fuel consumption and increased range.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
