The first pre-series Aeritalia AP68TP light twin turboprop transport.
The original AP68TP prototype (I-PAIT).flown in September 1978, featured a 5-9-in (15-cm) "stretch'' on the propeller line, enlarged vertical tail surfaces and a retractable undercarriage.
The P68R (I-VICR) which was certificated and shelved.
The first pre-series AP68TP (I-RAIP) which entered flight test in November 1981 and received its RAI 223 normal category CofA in July last. Two more pre-series AP68TPs have since been flown from the Casoria factory, one of these (I-RAIK) having been displayed at Farnborough International '82, and a major marketing programme is now getting into gear.
The P68C has been the basic Lycoming-engined production version of the Partenavia light twin since 1979, and continues in production at Casoria alongside the AP68TP with production averaging one weekly anticipated in 1983.
The turbo-charged P68C-TC was added to the range in 1980, together with the Observer (on photo)
The first pre-series AP68TP (I-RAIP)
A P68B, the first series production version of the Partenavia light twin
The prototype P68 (I-TWIN) with the original 14-76-ft (4,50-m) tail plane.
The prototype at a later stage with the definitive 12-79-ft (3,90-m) tailplane and embellished with spats.
The turbo-charged P68C-TC (on photo) was added to the range in 1980, together with the Observer
The cockpit of the AP68TP is the end product of a decade of continuous refinement of the basic P68 series, attaining a high ergonomic standard and characterised by its deep instrument panel.
