Piaggio P.111

Piaggio

Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1884
Headquarters	Pontedera , Italy
Products	Aircraft, engines

The Piaggio P.111 was an Italian aircraft developed by Piaggio specifically for high-altitude research missions, serving the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Royal Air Force).

Design and development

The origins of the P.111 trace back to 1938 when the Regia Aeronautica commissioned Piaggio to create a prototype for a three-seat, twin-engine bomber capable of operating at high speeds and altitudes, featuring a pressurized cockpit. To power this aircraft, Piaggio engineered a unique radial engine: the 745 kW (999 hp) 18-cylinder, double-row air-cooled Piaggio P.XII R.C.100/2v, equipped with a two-stage supercharger.

During the construction phase of the P.111 prototype, the Italian Air Force shifted its intended role from bomber development to utilizing it as a platform for high-altitude research.

Operational history

The P.111 completed its maiden flight on 9 April 1941. It was primarily deployed to support research on cabin pressurization systems for the Piaggio P.108 heavy bomber. Over its operational lifespan, the aircraft conducted approximately 110 experimental and test flights before being withdrawn from service and dismantled in early 1943.

Operators

Template:Country data Kingdom of Italy

• Regia Aeronautica

Specifications

File:Piaggio P.111 front view.jpg

A Piaggio official image of the P.111 taken at Villanova d'Albenga, Savona, Italy, in 1941

External links

• AR Aircraft Manuals Blueprints Video Publications: Piaggio P.111