Piaggio P180 Avanti. Farnborough Departure. 26 May 2023. HB-LLJ.

With the engines mounted backwards to reduce cabin noise and significantly improved fuel efficiency compared with other designs, the Piaggio P180 certainly stands out from the crowd. But it must be one of the strangest looking aircraft around, don't you think? Almost looking more like a boat or a camper van from some angles, here is Swiss registered HB-LLJ making an early morning departure from Farnborough to Toulon on Friday 26th May 2023. Not an everyday sight that's for sure. Love it or hate it? let me know your thoughts....

[@timschmidt4466]

Nice lines. Reminds me of the Constellation.

[@FarnboroughAviation-nb2or]

@timschmidt4466 Hi Tim now you mention it yes I can see that - in that curve from the cockpit 👏

[@NathanElcoate]

Great capture. They are certainly an interesting aircraft, apparently have very good performance, too!

[@FarnboroughAviation-nb2or]

@NathanElcoate Hi Nathan - yes I gather they are much more fuel efficient, quieter and can travel faster compared with a conventional turboprop. Still looks weird though don’t you think?!!

[@danielthuku8192]

​@@FarnboroughAviation-nb2oryes they do. Their engines face the wrong way, the wings are too far back, they have canards and a high rear stabilizer.

[@NathanElcoate]

@@FarnboroughAviation-nb2or Unique, yes :)

[@st-ex8506]

Who sabotaged a great and futuristic aircraft with a 1955-looking paint job!?!?

[@FarnboroughAviation-nb2or]

@st-ex8506 Yes it looks a bit like the BOAC retro scheme in that line and colour tone doesn’t it?!

[@st-ex8506]

@@FarnboroughAviation-nb2or That's exactly what it looked like to me!

[@leezinke4351]

That livery look’s similar to BOAC! what a beauty!

[@FarnboroughAviation-nb2or]

@leezinke4351 Hi Lee it does you’re right - I thought that when I saw it. Smart little craft isn’t it!!

[@leezinke4351]

@@FarnboroughAviation-nb2orYes it is 😊