Piaggio Announces Improved Avanti Evo

Modifications include the addition of winglets, new scimitar propellers and a new landing gear system with a power steering system for the nose gear and anti-skid brakes.

At 402 knots, the top speed of the Evo is about the same as the previous Avanti II model, making it the fastest turboprop in the world. While Piaggio Aero gets its customers to their destinations as fast as possible, the comfort level for the passengers is not compromised. The spacious cabin of the new Evo will be offered with a new interior designed by two renowned Italian design firms: Iacobucci HF and Poltrona Frau.

Piaggio Aero's Giuliano Felton also said the Evo has a 68 percent reduction in external noise, translating to a drop of 5 dB(A). A video shown at the company's European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) press conference showed that the pitch of the sound is significantly dampened. While Felton said the cabin of the Avanti II was already quiet, the interior noise has also been reduced by about 20 percent or 1 dB(A). The scimitar propellers contribute to the noise reduction along with a reduction of the max prop speed from 2,000 to 1,800 RPM.

The investment in the new product was made possible in part due to the acquisition of the company by Abu-Dhabi-based Mubadala Development Company, which now owns 98.04 percent of Piaggio Aero. The remainder of the company is owned by Enzo Ferrari's son Piero Ferrari.

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