Partenavia P.68: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Small twin engines transport aircraft}}
{{short description|Small twin engines transport aircraft}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name = P.68
|name = P.68
|image = File:D-GFPG (17004135598).jpg
|image = File:D-GFPG (17004135598).jpg
|caption = Partenavia P.68B
|caption = Partenavia P.68B
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type = Light transport
|type = Light transport
|manufacturer = [[Partenavia]] <br> [[Vulcanair]]
|manufacturer = [[Partenavia]] <br> [[Vulcanair]]
|designer = Luigi Pascale
|designer = [[Luigi Pascale]]
|first flight = 25 May [[1970 in aviation|1970]]<ref name=Flight11jun1970/>
|first flight = 25 May [[1970 in aviation|1970]]<ref name=Flight11jun1970/>
|introduced =
|introduced =
|retired =
|retired =
|status =
|status = In service
|primary user =
|primary user =
|more users =
|more users =
|produced =1970-present
|produced =1970-present
|number built = 431+{{cn|date=July 2019}}
|number built = 431+{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}
|unit cost = P.68B: [[United States dollar|US$]]82,000 (1974)<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201476.html |title= Guide to business aircraft |magazine= Flight international, 19 Sep 1974}}</ref>
(US${{Inflation|US|82000|r=-3|1974}} today)
P.68C: US$1.0016M<br/>P.68R: US$1.179M<br/>P.68C-TC: US$1.063M<br/>AP.68TP-600: US$2.965M (2019)<ref name=BCA-2019>{{cite magazine |url= https://aviationweek.com/site-files/aviationweek.com/files/datasheets/gated/BCA_201906.pdf |title= Purchase Planning Handbook |magazine= Business & Commercial Aviation |date= June 2019 |publisher= Aviation Week Network |url-access= subscription}}</ref>
|developed from =
|developed from =
|variants with their own articles =
|variants with their own articles =
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|}
|}


The '''Partenavia P.68''', now '''Vulcanair P68''', is a [[light aircraft]] designed by [[Luigi Pascale]] and initially built by Italian [[Partenavia]].
The '''Partenavia P.68''', now '''Vulcanair P68''', is a [[light aircraft]] designed by [[Luigi Pascale]] and initially built by Italian company [[Partenavia]].
<!--development-->It made its first flight on 25 May 1970, its type certification was granted on 17 November 1971 and was transferred to [[Vulcanair]] in 1998.
<!--development-->It made its first flight on 25 May 1970, its type certification was granted on 17 November 1971 and was transferred to [[Vulcanair]] in 1998.
<!--design-->The original six-seat high-wing monoplane is powered by twin piston engines and is used for light transport and training. The P.68 Observer is an [[observation aircraft]] variant, and it was developed in a stretched, 10/11-seat twin [[turboprop]] derivative.
<!--design-->The original six-seat high-wing monoplane is powered by twin piston engines and is used for light transport and training. The P.68 Observer is an [[observation aircraft]] variant, and it was developed in a stretched, 10/11-seat twin [[turboprop]] derivative.
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===Partenavia P.68 Victor===
===Partenavia P.68 Victor===
The type certification for the '''P.68 "Victor"''', a [[Twin-engine|twin]] piston engine, [[high wing]] monoplane with fixed [[tricycle landing gear]] was applied for on 22 January 1969.<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
The type certification for the '''P.68 Victor''', a [[Twin-engine|twin]] piston engine, [[high wing]] monoplane with fixed [[tricycle landing gear]] was applied for on 22 January 1969.<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
The Partenavia P.68 was designed as a six-seat [[light aircraft|light]] transport and trainer powered by two {{cvt|200|hp|0}} [[Lycoming IO-360]] engines, it made its first flight on 25 May 1970 at [[Naples]].<ref name=Flight11jun1970>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1970/1970%20-%201035.html |title= Italian Twin |magazine= FLIGHT International |date= 11 June 1970 }}</ref>
The Partenavia P.68 was designed as a six-seat [[light aircraft|light]] transport and trainer powered by two {{cvt|200|hp|0}} [[Lycoming IO-360]] engines, it made its first flight on 25 May 1970 at [[Naples]].<ref name=Flight11jun1970>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1970/1970%20-%201035.html |title= Italian Twin |magazine= Flight International |date= 11 June 1970 }}</ref>
The type certification for the 9.20 m (30.18 ft) long P.68 was granted by the [[Italian Civil Aviation Authority]] on 17 November 1971 for an 1860kg (4100 lb) [[MTOW]].<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
The type certification for the 9.20&nbsp;m (30.18&nbsp;ft) long P.68 was granted by the [[Italian Civil Aviation Authority]] on 17 November 1971 for an 1860&nbsp;kg (4100&nbsp;lb) [[MTOW]].<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
It was approved by the [[FAA]] on 7 December 1971.<ref name=FAA-TCDS>{{cite news |url= http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/120df1b9b90580c686258418005b9ebf/$FILE/A31EU_Rev26.pdf |title= Type Certificate data sheet A31EU |date= June 13, 2019 |publisher= FAA}}</ref>
It was approved by the [[FAA]] on 7 December 1971.<ref name=FAA-TCDS>{{cite news |url= http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/120df1b9b90580c686258418005b9ebf/$FILE/A31EU_Rev26.pdf |title= Type Certificate data sheet A31EU |date= June 13, 2019 |publisher= FAA}}</ref>
After a 300 h of [[flight test]]s, production was to start in May 1972 in a new plant at Naples [[Capodichino Airport]] at a rate of three aircraft per month.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%202821.html |title= Partenavia Victor certificated |magazine= FLIGHT International |date= 30 December 1971}}</ref>
After 300 h of [[flight test]]s, production was to start in May 1972 in a new plant at Naples [[Capodichino Airport]] at a rate of three aircraft per month.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1971/1971%20-%202821.html |title= Partenavia Victor certificated |magazine= Flight International |date= 30 December 1971}}</ref>
The prototype was built at [[Arzano]], Italy, production began with 14 pre-production aircraft at new facilities in [[Casoria]], Italy.
The prototype was built at [[Arzano]], Italy, production began with 14 pre-production aircraft at new facilities in [[Casoria]], Italy.


The longer, 9.35 m (30.68 ft) '''P.68B "Victor"''' certification was applied for on 18 October 1973 and granted on 24 May 1974 for a 1960 kg (4321 lb) MTOW.<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
The longer, 9.35&nbsp;m (30.68&nbsp;ft) '''P.68B Victor''' certification was applied for on 18 October 1973 and granted on 24 May 1974 for a 1960&nbsp;kg (4321&nbsp;lb) MTOW.<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
Its unit cost was [[United States dollar|US$]]82,000 in 1974<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201476.html |title= Guide to business aircraft |magazine= Flight International |date=19 September 1974}}</ref> (US${{Inflation|US|82000|r=-3|1974}} today).
Its fuselage was lengthened to create more space in the cockpit.
Its fuselage was lengthened to create more space in the cockpit.


[[File:Partenavia P.68 (8857506505).jpg|thumb|P.68R with retractable undercarriage]]
[[File:Partenavia P.68 (8857506505).jpg|thumb|P.68R with retractable undercarriage]]


Both derived from the P.68B and 9.55 m (31.33 ft) long, the '''P.68R "Victor"''' has a [[retractable landing gear]] and was certified on 31 July 1978 while the '''P.68C''' has a nose allowing a [[weather radar]], larger fuel tanks and increased weights, and was certified on 23 July 1979 with a 1990 kg (4387 lb) MTOW.<!--ref name=EASA-TCDS/-->
Both derived from the P.68B and 9.55&nbsp;m (31.33&nbsp;ft) long, the '''P.68R Victor''' has a [[retractable landing gear]] and was certified on 31 July 1978 while the '''P.68C''' has a nose allowing a [[weather radar]], larger fuel tanks and increased weights, and was certified on 23 July 1979 with a 1990&nbsp;kg (4387&nbsp;lb) MTOW.<!--ref name=EASA-TCDS/-->
The '''P.68C-TC''', certified on 29 April 1980, has turbocharged, {{cvt|210|hp|0}} [[List_of_Lycoming_O-360_variants#TIO-360|Lycoming TIO-360]]-C1A6D engines.<!--ref name=EASA-TCDS/-->
The '''P.68C-TC''', certified on 29 April 1980, has turbocharged, {{cvt|210|hp|0}} [[List of Lycoming O-360 variants#TIO-360|Lycoming TIO-360]]-C1A6D engines.<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
In 2021, the equipped price of the P.68C was US$1.25M, US$1.5M for the P.68R and US$1.55M for the P.68C-TC.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://infogram.com/bca-table-2023-pistons-1h7z2l89o987x6o |title= Purchase planning handbook - pistons table |date= Second Quarter 2021 |work= Business & Commercial Aircraft}}</ref>


===Partenavia P.68 Observer===
===Partenavia P.68 Observer===
[[File:Partenavia P.68 Observer, Spain - Institut Cartografic de Catalunya - ICC JP7702383.jpg|thumb|P.68 Observer with a transparent nose]]
[[File:Partenavia P.68 Observer, Spain - Institut Cartografic de Catalunya - ICC JP7702383.jpg|thumb|P.68 Observer with a transparent nose]]


The 9.43 m (30.94 ft) long '''P. 68 "Observer"''', derived from the P.68B with a transparent fuselage nose, adapted systems and larger fuel tanks, was certified on 12 June 1980.<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
The 9.43&nbsp;m (30.94&nbsp;ft) long '''P.68 Observer''', derived from the P.68B with a transparent fuselage nose, adapted systems and larger fuel tanks, was certified on 12 June 1980.<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
The observation aircraft for law enforcement were initially conversions of existing aircraft by German [[Sportavia-Putzer]].
The observation aircraft for law enforcement were initially conversions of existing aircraft by German [[Sportavia-Putzer]].


The 9.15 m (30.02 ft) long '''P.68TC "Observer"''', a P.68 "Observer" with turbocharged engines, was certified on 18 June 1985.<!--ref name=EASA-TCDS/-->
The 9.15&nbsp;m (30.02&nbsp;ft) long '''P.68TC Observer''', a P.68 "Observer" with turbocharged engines, was certified on 18 June 1985.<!--ref name=EASA-TCDS/-->


The 9.54 m (31.30 ft) long '''P.68 "Observer 2"''' is a P.68 "Observer", with increased weights, upturned [[wing tip]]s and modified systems, and was certified on 30 November 1989 for a 2084 kg (4594 lb) MTOW.<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
The 9.54&nbsp;m (31.30&nbsp;ft) long '''P.68 "Observer 2''' is a P.68 "Observer", with increased weights, upturned [[wing tip]]s and modified systems, and was certified on 30 November 1989 for a 2084&nbsp;kg (4594&nbsp;lb) MTOW.<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
−


===Partenavia AP68TP-600 Viator===
===Partenavia AP68TP-600 Viator===
[[File:Partenavia AP.68TP-600 Viator DRW Butler-1.jpg|thumb|Turboprop-powered AP.68TP-600 Viator with stretched fuselage and retractable gear]]
[[File:Partenavia AP.68TP-600 Viator DRW Butler-1.jpg|thumb|Turboprop-powered AP.68TP-600 Viator with stretched fuselage and retractable gear]]


The 10.89-11.27 m (35.73-36.97 ft) long, retractable gear'''AP68TP-600 "Viator"''', with two {{cvt|328|hp}} [[Allison 250]]-B17C turboprops, has a 2850-3000 kg (6283-6614 lb) MTOW and was certified on 16 October 1986.<!--ref name=EASA-TCDS/-->
The 10.89-11.27 m (35.73-36.97&nbsp;ft) long, retractable gear '''AP68TP-600 "Viator"''', with two {{cvt|328|hp}} [[Allison 250]]-B17C turboprops, has a 2850–3000&nbsp;kg (6283-6614&nbsp;lb) MTOW and was certified on 16 October 1986.<!--ref name=EASA-TCDS/-->
In 2023, its equipped price was $3.5M.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://infogram.com/bca-table-2023-turboprops-1ho16vorwrxm84n |title=Purchase planning handbook - turboprops table |date= Second Quarter 2023|work=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology|Business & Commercial Aviation]]}}</ref>


===Partenavia AP68TP-300 Spartacus===
===Partenavia AP68TP-300 Spartacus===
The 9.90 m (32.48 ft) long, fixed gear '''AP68TP-300 "Spartacus"''' was certified on 10 December 1983 with two {{cvt|328|hp}} [[Allison 250]]-B17C turboprops and a 2600 kg (5732 lb) [[MTOW]].<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
The 9.90&nbsp;m (32.48&nbsp;ft) long, fixed gear '''AP68TP-300 Spartacus''' was certified on 10 December 1983 with two {{cvt|328|hp}} [[Allison 250]]-B17C turboprops and a 2600&nbsp;kg (5732&nbsp;lb) [[MTOW]].<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
the nine-seater development was helped by [[Aeritalia]], the prototype first flew in 1978 with a retractable undercarriage.
The nine-seater development was helped by [[Aeritalia]]. The prototype first flew in 1978 with a retractable undercarriage.


Based in [[Casoria]], Naples, and already manufacturing Partenavia spares, [[Vulcanair]] (then Air Samanta) acquired the type certificate, aircraft spares and the former production plant in Milan for L1.4 billion ($780,000) in April 1998.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/vulcan-air-resurrects-partenavia-p68-line-35494/ |title= Vulcan Air resurrects Partenavia P.68 line |date= 15 April 1998 |work= Flightglobal}}</ref>
Based in [[Casoria]], Naples, and already manufacturing Partenavia spares, [[Vulcanair]] (then Air Samanta) acquired the type certificate, aircraft spares and the former production plant in Milan for L1.4 billion ($780,000) in April 1998.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/vulcan-air-resurrects-partenavia-p68-line-35494/ |title= Vulcan Air resurrects Partenavia P.68 line |date= 15 April 1998 |work= Flightglobal}}</ref>
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{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Type certificate data sheet<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
|+ Type certificate data sheet<ref name=EASA-TCDS/>
! Variant || Certified || [[MTOW]] || Engines || Length || Built{{cn|date=July 2019}}
! Variant || Certified || [[MTOW]] || Engines || Length || Built{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}
|-
|-
! P.68 Victor
! P.68 Victor
| 17 Nov 1971 || 1860 (4100 lb)
| 17 Nov 1971 || 1860 (4100&nbsp;lb)
| rowspan=6 | {{cvt|200|hp|0}}<br>[[Lycoming IO-360|IO-360]]-A1B6 || 9.20 m (30.18 ft) || 14
| rowspan=6 | {{cvt|200|hp|0}}<br>[[Lycoming IO-360|IO-360]]-A1B6 || 9.20&nbsp;m (30.18&nbsp;ft) || 14
|-
|-
! P.68B Victor
! P.68B Victor
| 24 May 1974
| 24 May 1974
| rowspan=3 | 1960 kg (4321 lb) || 9.35 m (30.68 ft) || >190
| rowspan=3 | 1960&nbsp;kg (4321&nbsp;lb) || 9.35&nbsp;m (30.68&nbsp;ft) || >190
|-
|-
! P. 68 [[Observation aircraft|Observer]]
! P. 68 [[Observation aircraft|Observer]]
| 12 Jun 1980
| 12 Jun 1980
| 9.43 m (30.94 ft) || >21
| 9.43&nbsp;m (30.94&nbsp;ft) || >21
|-
|-
! P.68[[retractable landing gear|R]] Victor
! P.68[[retractable landing gear|R]] Victor
| 31 Jul 1978
| 31 Jul 1978
| rowspan= 4 | 9.55 m (31.33 ft) || 1
| rowspan= 4 | 9.55&nbsp;m (31.33&nbsp;ft) || 1
|-
|-
! P.68 Observer 2
! P.68 Observer 2
| 30 Nov 1989
| 30 Nov 1989
| 2084 kg (4594 lb)
| 2084&nbsp;kg (4594&nbsp;lb)
|
|
|-
|-
! P.68C
! P.68C
| 23 Jul 1979
| 23 Jul 1979
| rowspan=3 | 1990 kg (4387 lb) || >114
| rowspan=3 | 1990&nbsp;kg (4387&nbsp;lb) || >114
|-
|-
! P.68C-[[turbocharged|TC]]
! P.68C-[[turbocharged|TC]]
| 29 Apr 1980
| 29 Apr 1980
| rowspan=2 | {{cvt|210|hp|0}}<br/>[[List_of_Lycoming_O-360_variants#TIO-360|TIO-360]]-C1A6D ||
| rowspan=2 | {{cvt|210|hp|0}}<br/>[[List of Lycoming O-360 variants#TIO-360|TIO-360]]-C1A6D ||
|-
|-
! P.68TC Observer
! P.68TC Observer
| 18 Jun 1985
| 18 Jun 1985
| 9.15 m (30.02 ft) ||
| 9.15&nbsp;m (30.02&nbsp;ft) ||
|-
|-
! AP68TP-300 Spartacus
! AP68TP-300 Spartacus
| 10 Dec 1983
| 10 Dec 1983
| 2600 kg (5732 lb)
| 2600&nbsp;kg (5732&nbsp;lb)
| rowspan=2 | {{cvt|328|hp}}<br/>[[Allison 250]]-B17C
| rowspan=2 | {{cvt|328|hp}}<br/>[[Allison 250]]-B17C
| 9.90 m (32.48 ft) || >13
| 9.90&nbsp;m (32.48&nbsp;ft) || >13
|-
|-
! AP68TP-600 Viator
! AP68TP-600 Viator
| 16 Oct 1986
| 16 Oct 1986
| 2850-3000 kg<br/>(6283-6614 lb)
| 2850–3000&nbsp;kg<br/>(6283-6614&nbsp;lb)
| 10.89-11.27 m<br/>(35.73-36.97 ft) || >6
| 10.89-11.27 m<br/>(35.73-36.97&nbsp;ft) || >6
|}
|}


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; {{BAH}}:
; {{BAH}}:
* [[Royal Bahamas Defence Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2021">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2021/141456.article|title = World Air Forces 2021|work= |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2021 |doi = |accessdate= 4 May 2021|url-access=registration}}</ref>
* [[Royal Bahamas Defence Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2021">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2021/141456.article|title = World Air Forces 2021|publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2021 |doi = |accessdate= 4 May 2021|url-access=registration}}</ref>
; {{CHI}}:
; {{CHI}}:
* [[Chilean Navy]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2021"/>
* [[Chilean Navy]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2021"/>
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* [[California Department of Fish and Game]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2012/10/15/dfg-and-partners-use-aircraft-and-submersible-camera-to-count-pacific-sardine/ |title= DFG and Partners use Aircraft and Submersible Camera to Count Pacific Sardine |publisher= cdfgnews.wordpress.com |date=|accessdate=4 May 2021}}</ref>
* [[California Department of Fish and Game]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2012/10/15/dfg-and-partners-use-aircraft-and-submersible-camera-to-count-pacific-sardine/ |title= DFG and Partners use Aircraft and Submersible Camera to Count Pacific Sardine |publisher= cdfgnews.wordpress.com |date=|accessdate=4 May 2021}}</ref>
* [[New York State Police]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://troopers.ny.gov/specialty-units |title= New York State Police Aviation Unit |publisher= troopers.ny.gov |date=|accessdate=4 May 2021}}</ref>
* [[New York State Police]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://troopers.ny.gov/specialty-units |title= New York State Police Aviation Unit |publisher= troopers.ny.gov |date=|accessdate=4 May 2021}}</ref>
* [[Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency]]<ref>{{cite web |title=N76TW Aircraft Registration |url=https://flightaware.com/resources/registration/N76TW |website=FlightAware.com |publisher=FlightAware |access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref>
* [[Washington State Department of Natural Resources]]<ref>https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/NNumberResult?NNumbertxt=357PN</ref>
* [[Washington State Department of Natural Resources]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/NNumberResult?NNumbertxt=357PN|title=Aircraft Inquiry}}</ref>
*[[Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://myfwc.com/law-enforcement/special-programs/ |title=Special Programs }}</ref>

===Former===
===Former===
; {{flag|Bophuthatswana}}:
; {{flag|Bophuthatswana}}:
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==Incidents and accidents==
==Incidents and accidents==


The P.68 was involved in 86 accidents and incidents worldwise as reported in the [[Aviation Safety Network]] wiki database, including 58 [[hull loss]]es.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/dblist.php?AcType=P68 |title= Wiki Database - Type = P.68 |publisher= [[Aviation Safety Network]] |date= 1 July 2019}}</ref>
The P.68 was involved in 86 accidents and incidents worldwide as reported in the [[Aviation Safety Network]] wiki database, including 58 [[hull loss]]es.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/dblist.php?AcType=P68 |title= Wiki Database - Type = P.68 |publisher= [[Aviation Safety Network]] |date= 1 July 2019}}</ref>


September 11, 1983: A P.68C, N29561, performing an aerobatic display broke up in flight during an airshow in [[Plainview, Texas]]. The NTSB report revealed that analysis of the video showed the aircraft performed a fly-by over the runway, exceeding its Vne (Velocity, never-exceed) speed by 27 knots. The pilot then executed a sharp nose-up pitch change of about 8 degrees, which spiked the aircraft's dynamic load factor to 8.3Gs and caused both wings to fail in the main spar just outside both engine nacelles then separate from the aircraft, which then began rotating, causing the rear fuselage to twist along its length between its cabin and [[empennage]]. The aircraft then plummeted 250 feet down just beyond the group of spectators.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/40417 |title= ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 40417 |publisher= [[Aviation Safety Network]] |date= 24 January 2020}}</ref>
September 11, 1983: A P.68C, N29561, performing an aerobatic display broke up in flight during an airshow in [[Plainview, Texas]]. The NTSB report revealed that analysis of the video showed the aircraft performed a fly-by over the runway, exceeding its Vne (Velocity, never-exceed) speed by 27 knots. The pilot then executed a sharp nose-up pitch change of about 8 degrees, which spiked the aircraft's dynamic load factor to 8.3Gs and caused both wings to fail in the main spar just outside both engine nacelles then separate from the aircraft, which then began rotating, causing the rear fuselage to twist along its length between its cabin and [[empennage]]. The aircraft then plummeted 250 feet down just beyond the group of spectators.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/40417 |title= ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 40417 |publisher= [[Aviation Safety Network]] |date= 24 January 2020}}</ref>


==Specifications==
==Specifications (P.68C)==
[[File:WP Landtagsprojekt Hessen - Polizeifliegerstaffel Egelsbach - IBIS 7 - 010.jpg|thumb|The Observer cockpit with an [[EFIS]] flight deck]]
[[File:WP Landtagsprojekt Hessen - Polizeifliegerstaffel Egelsbach - IBIS 7 - 010.jpg|thumb|The Observer cockpit with an [[EFIS]] flight deck]]
[[File:WP Landtagsprojekt Hessen - Polizeifliegerstaffel Egelsbach - IBIS 7 - 013.jpg|thumb|The P.68 cabin]]
[[File:WP Landtagsprojekt Hessen - Polizeifliegerstaffel Egelsbach - IBIS 7 - 013.jpg|thumb|The P.68 cabin]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= Vulcanair brochure<ref name=brochure>{{cite web |url= http://www.vulcanair.com/files/files/Brochure%20Vulcanair%2008-10-18.pdf |title= Brochure |publisher= Vulcanair|date= 17 March 2015}}</ref>
|prime units?=kts<!-- "imp", "kts" or "met" to display the units in a given order.
Without an entry here, no specifications will show -->
<!--
General characteristics
-->
|crew=one
|capacity=plus five passengers
|length m=9.55
|length ft=31
|length in=
|span m=12
|span ft=
|span in=
|height m=3.40
|height ft=11
|height in=15
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft=
|aspect ratio=
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=1420
|empty weight lb=3130
|max takeoff weight kg=2084
|max takeoff weight lb=4594
|fuel capacity={{convert|177|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}}
<!--
Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Lycoming IO-360]]-A1B6
|eng1 type=air-cooled horizontally-opposed engine
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=200<!-- prop engines -->


|prop blade number=2<!-- propeller aircraft -->
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|prop name=
|+ Vulcanair brochure<ref name=brochure>{{cite web |url= http://www.vulcanair.com/files/files/Brochure%20Vulcanair%2008-10-18.pdf |title= Brochure |publisher= Vulcanair|date= 17 March 2015}}</ref>
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|-
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
! Variant
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
! P.68C

! AP.68TP-600
|-
<!--
Performance
! Seats
-->
| 6
|perfhide=
| 10/11
|max speed kmh=
|-
|max speed mph=
! Luggage volume
|max speed kts=
| 0,66 cu.m / 23 cu ft
|max speed note=at sea level
| 0,48 cu.m / 17 cu ft
|cruise speed kmh=301
|-
|cruise speed mph=
! Wing
|cruise speed kts=160
| colspan=2 | 12.00 m / 39.37 ft span; 18.60 m² / 200.23 ft² area
|cruise speed note=at {{convert|10000|ft|m|-1|abbr=on}} (econ cruise)
|-
|stall speed kmh=106
! Length
|stall speed mph=
| 9.55 m / 31.33 ft{{efn|Observer: 9.15 m / 30.02 ft}}
|stall speed kts=57
| 11.27 m / 36.97 ft
|stall speed note=(flaps down, power off)
|-
|never exceed speed kmh=
! Height
|never exceed speed mph=
| 3.40 m / 11.15 ft
|never exceed speed kts=
| 3.63 m / 11.91 ft
|never exceed speed note=
|-
|range km=2043
! [[Maximum Take-Off Weight|MTOW]]
|range miles=
| 2084 kg / 4594 lb
|range nmi=1103
| 3000 kg / 6613 lb
|range note=(econ cruise, standard fuel)
|-
|ceiling m=5490
! Empty weight
|ceiling ft=18,000
| 1420 kg / 3130 lb
|climb rate ms=6
| 1750 kg / 3858 lb
|climb rate ftmin=1100
|-
|more performance=
! Max payload{{efn|Max zero-fuel weight minus empty Weight}}
|avionics=
| {{#expr:1967-1420}} kg / {{#expr:4336-3130}} lb
}}
| {{#expr:2550-1750}} kg / {{#expr:5621-3858}} lb
|-
! Max fuel
| 670 L / 177 US gal
| 840 L / 222 US gal<br/>675 kg / 1488 lb
|-
! Engines
| 2 × [[Lycoming IO-360]]-A1B6{{efn|P.68C-TC: 2 × {{cvt|210|hp|kW}} [[List of Lycoming O-360 variants#TIO-360|TIO-360]]-C1A6D}}
| 2 × [[Rolls-Royce 250]]-B17C
|-
! Power
| 2 × {{cvt|200|hp|kW|0}}
| 2 × {{cvt|328|hp|kW|0}}
|-
! Cruise speed
| 301 km/h / 160 kn{{efn|TAS, 75%, ISA FL 80; Best Economy: 277 km/h / 150 kn @ 60%, FL 90}}
| 396 km/h / 214 kn{{efn|TAS, 100%, ISA FL 100, MTOW; Long Range 92%: 313 km/h / 169 kn}}
|-
! Climb rate
| 6 m/s / 1100 fpm{{efn|SL, MTOW; 1 engine: 1 m/s / 200 fpm}}
| 8,4 m/s / 1650 fpm{{efn|1 engine: 1,4 m/s / 270 fpm}}
|-
! Stall speed
| 106 km/h / 57 kn{{efn|CAS, 35 deg. Flaps, MTOW}}
| 128 km/h / 69 kn{{efn|CAS, full flaps; no flaps: 139 km/h / 75 kn}}
|-
! Ceiling
| 5490 m / 18000 ft{{efn|1 engine: 1520 m / 5000 ft}}
| 7620 m / 25000 ft{{efn|1 engine: 2438 m / 8000 ft}}
|-
! Range
| 2043 km / 1103 nmi{{efn|4 × 77 kg persons : 55% Long Range Cruise, FL 100, 45’ Res}}
| 1740 km / 939 nmi{{efn|6 × 77 kg persons, 95% Cruise, FL 100, 30' res}}
|-
! Fuel burn
| {{cvt|{{#expr:(159*1.151<!--1.151 mi per nmi-->)/(18.3*6.7)<!--6.7lb/USgal-->round1}}|nmi/lb|km/kg|order=flip}}{{efn|{{cvt|18.3|USgal|L}}/h at {{cvt|159|kn|km/h}} TAS, FL90, 65% power, ISA<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.alfako.be/FlightPrep/new_P68B-FM%20NOR10.707-21%20updated%20rev_9.pdf |title= P.68B Victor flight manual |publisher= Partenavia |date= 24 May 1974}}</ref>}}
| {{cvt|0.66|nmi/lb|km/kg|1|order=flip}}{{efn|{{cvt|185|kn|km/h}}, FL120<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vulcanair.com/files/files/special_mission_aircraft/a-viator.pdf |title= A-Viator (AP68TP–600) presentation |date= 23 June 2011 |publisher= Vulcanair}}</ref>}}
|-
! Take-off
| 400 m / 1312 ft{{efn|over 50ft, MTOW, ISA; 240 m / 787 ft Ground Run}}
| 640 m / 2100 ft{{efn|over 50ft, MTOW, ISA; 400 m / 1312 ft Ground Run}}
|-
! Landing
| 600 m / 1969 ft{{efn|over 50ft, MLW; 200 m / 656 ft Ground Run}}
| 700 m / 2296 ft{{efn|over 50ft, MLW; 330 m / 1083 ft Ground Run}}
|-
! Endurance
| 7,2 h{{efn|4 × 77 kg persons, 55% Cruise, FL 100, 30' Res.}}
| 4,6 h{{efn|6 × 77 kg persons, 95% Cruise, FL 100, 30' res}}
|}
{{notelist}}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 250: Line 239:
* [[Diamond DA62]]
* [[Diamond DA62]]
* [[Piper PA-34 Seneca]]
* [[Piper PA-34 Seneca]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References==
==References==
Line 256: Line 248:
==Further reading==
==Further reading==
{{Commons and category}}
{{Commons and category}}

* {{official website|http://www.vulcanair.com/}}
* {{official website|http://www.vulcanair.com/}}
* {{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=rnFWX_1Z9nEC&pg=PA44 |title= Roman Holiday |author= Nigel Moll |date= April 1983 |magazine= Flying magazine}}
* {{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=rnFWX_1Z9nEC&pg=PA44 |title= Roman Holiday |author= Nigel Moll |date= April 1983 |magazine= Flying }}
* {{cite book |title= The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985) |publisher= Orbis Publishing}}
* {{cite book |title= The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985) |publisher= Orbis Publishing}}
* {{cite book |last= Simpson| first= R.W. |title= Airlife's General Aviation|year= 1991|publisher= Airlife Publishing|location= Shrewsbury, England|isbn=978-1-85310-194-6}}
* {{cite book |last= Simpson| first= R.W. |title= Airlife's General Aviation|year= 1991|publisher= Airlife Publishing|location= Shrewsbury, England|isbn=978-1-85310-194-6}}
* {{cite news |url= https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/article/an-italian-light-twin-returns-to-claim-its-star |title= An Italian Light Twin Returns To Claim Its Star |author= James Wynbrandt |date= July 21, 2015 |magazine= Plane & Pilot }}
* {{cite news |url= https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/article/an-italian-light-twin-returns-to-claim-its-star |title= An Italian Light Twin Returns To Claim Its Star |author= James Wynbrandt |date= July 21, 2015 |magazine= Plane & Pilot }}


{{Partenavia/Vulcanair aircraft}}
{{Portal bar|Italy|Companies|Aviation}}
{{Portal bar|Italy|Companies|Aviation}}
{{Partenavia/Vulcanair aircraft}}


[[Category:1970s Italian civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Partenavia aircraft|P.68]]
[[Category:Partenavia aircraft|P.68]]
[[Category:Vulcanair aircraft]]
[[Category:Vulcanair aircraft]]
[[Category:1970s Italian civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1970]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1970]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]

Latest revision as of 23:40, 24 February 2024

P.68
Partenavia P.68B
Role Light transport
Manufacturer Partenavia
Vulcanair
Designer Luigi Pascale
First flight 25 May 1970[1]
Status In service
Produced 1970-present
Number built 431+[citation needed]

The Partenavia P.68, now Vulcanair P68, is a light aircraft designed by Luigi Pascale and initially built by Italian company Partenavia. It made its first flight on 25 May 1970, its type certification was granted on 17 November 1971 and was transferred to Vulcanair in 1998. The original six-seat high-wing monoplane is powered by twin piston engines and is used for light transport and training. The P.68 Observer is an observation aircraft variant, and it was developed in a stretched, 10/11-seat twin turboprop derivative.

Development[edit]

A P.68 Observer presented by Vulcanair at the AERO Friedrichshafen 2016

Partenavia P.68 Victor[edit]

The type certification for the P.68 Victor, a twin piston engine, high wing monoplane with fixed tricycle landing gear was applied for on 22 January 1969.[2] The Partenavia P.68 was designed as a six-seat light transport and trainer powered by two 200 hp (149 kW) Lycoming IO-360 engines, it made its first flight on 25 May 1970 at Naples.[1] The type certification for the 9.20 m (30.18 ft) long P.68 was granted by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority on 17 November 1971 for an 1860 kg (4100 lb) MTOW.[2] It was approved by the FAA on 7 December 1971.[3] After 300 h of flight tests, production was to start in May 1972 in a new plant at Naples Capodichino Airport at a rate of three aircraft per month.[4] The prototype was built at Arzano, Italy, production began with 14 pre-production aircraft at new facilities in Casoria, Italy.

The longer, 9.35 m (30.68 ft) P.68B Victor certification was applied for on 18 October 1973 and granted on 24 May 1974 for a 1960 kg (4321 lb) MTOW.[2] Its unit cost was US$82,000 in 1974[5] (US$507000 today). Its fuselage was lengthened to create more space in the cockpit.

P.68R with retractable undercarriage

Both derived from the P.68B and 9.55 m (31.33 ft) long, the P.68R Victor has a retractable landing gear and was certified on 31 July 1978 while the P.68C has a nose allowing a weather radar, larger fuel tanks and increased weights, and was certified on 23 July 1979 with a 1990 kg (4387 lb) MTOW. The P.68C-TC, certified on 29 April 1980, has turbocharged, 210 hp (157 kW) Lycoming TIO-360-C1A6D engines.[2] In 2021, the equipped price of the P.68C was US$1.25M, US$1.5M for the P.68R and US$1.55M for the P.68C-TC.[6]

Partenavia P.68 Observer[edit]

P.68 Observer with a transparent nose

The 9.43 m (30.94 ft) long P.68 Observer, derived from the P.68B with a transparent fuselage nose, adapted systems and larger fuel tanks, was certified on 12 June 1980.[2] The observation aircraft for law enforcement were initially conversions of existing aircraft by German Sportavia-Putzer.

The 9.15 m (30.02 ft) long P.68TC Observer, a P.68 "Observer" with turbocharged engines, was certified on 18 June 1985.

The 9.54 m (31.30 ft) long P.68 "Observer 2 is a P.68 "Observer", with increased weights, upturned wing tips and modified systems, and was certified on 30 November 1989 for a 2084 kg (4594 lb) MTOW.[2] −

Partenavia AP68TP-600 Viator[edit]

Turboprop-powered AP.68TP-600 Viator with stretched fuselage and retractable gear

The 10.89-11.27 m (35.73-36.97 ft) long, retractable gear AP68TP-600 "Viator", with two 328 hp (245 kW) Allison 250-B17C turboprops, has a 2850–3000 kg (6283-6614 lb) MTOW and was certified on 16 October 1986. In 2023, its equipped price was $3.5M.[7]

Partenavia AP68TP-300 Spartacus[edit]

The 9.90 m (32.48 ft) long, fixed gear AP68TP-300 Spartacus was certified on 10 December 1983 with two 328 hp (245 kW) Allison 250-B17C turboprops and a 2600 kg (5732 lb) MTOW.[2] The nine-seater development was helped by Aeritalia. The prototype first flew in 1978 with a retractable undercarriage.

Based in Casoria, Naples, and already manufacturing Partenavia spares, Vulcanair (then Air Samanta) acquired the type certificate, aircraft spares and the former production plant in Milan for L1.4 billion ($780,000) in April 1998.[8] The type certificate was transferred on 25 November.[2] Vulcanair offers the P.68R, P68C, P.68C-TC, P.68TC Observer, P.68 Observer 2 and AP68TP-600 Viator.[9]

Variants[edit]

Type certificate data sheet[2]
Variant Certified MTOW Engines Length Built[citation needed]
P.68 Victor 17 Nov 1971 1860 (4100 lb) 200 hp (149 kW)
IO-360-A1B6		 9.20 m (30.18 ft) 14
P.68B Victor 24 May 1974 1960 kg (4321 lb) 9.35 m (30.68 ft) >190
P. 68 Observer 12 Jun 1980 9.43 m (30.94 ft) >21
P.68R Victor 31 Jul 1978 9.55 m (31.33 ft) 1
P.68 Observer 2 30 Nov 1989 2084 kg (4594 lb)
P.68C 23 Jul 1979 1990 kg (4387 lb) >114
P.68C-TC 29 Apr 1980 210 hp (157 kW)
TIO-360-C1A6D
P.68TC Observer 18 Jun 1985 9.15 m (30.02 ft)
AP68TP-300 Spartacus 10 Dec 1983 2600 kg (5732 lb) 328 hp (245 kW)
Allison 250-B17C 		9.90 m (32.48 ft) >13
AP68TP-600 Viator 16 Oct 1986 2850–3000 kg
(6283-6614 lb) 		10.89-11.27 m
(35.73-36.97 ft)		 >6

Operators[edit]

Military and government operators[edit]

Italian State Police P.68 Observer
Hesse State Police P.68 Observer 2
 Bahamas
 Chile
 Germany
 Italy
 United Kingdom
 United States

Former[edit]

 Bophuthatswana

Incidents and accidents[edit]

The P.68 was involved in 86 accidents and incidents worldwide as reported in the Aviation Safety Network wiki database, including 58 hull losses.[20]

September 11, 1983: A P.68C, N29561, performing an aerobatic display broke up in flight during an airshow in Plainview, Texas. The NTSB report revealed that analysis of the video showed the aircraft performed a fly-by over the runway, exceeding its Vne (Velocity, never-exceed) speed by 27 knots. The pilot then executed a sharp nose-up pitch change of about 8 degrees, which spiked the aircraft's dynamic load factor to 8.3Gs and caused both wings to fail in the main spar just outside both engine nacelles then separate from the aircraft, which then began rotating, causing the rear fuselage to twist along its length between its cabin and empennage. The aircraft then plummeted 250 feet down just beyond the group of spectators.[21]

Specifications (P.68C)[edit]

The Observer cockpit with an EFIS flight deck
The P.68 cabin

Data from Vulcanair brochure[9]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: plus five passengers
  • Length: 31 ft 0 in (9.55 m)
  • Wingspan: 39 ft 4 in (12 m)
  • Height: 12 ft 3 in (3.40 m)
  • Empty weight: 3,130 lb (1,420 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 4,594 lb (2,084 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 177 US gal (147 imp gal; 670 L)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 air-cooled horizontally-opposed engine, 200 hp (150 kW) each
  • Propellers: 2-bladed

Performanceat sea level

  • Cruise speed: 160 kn (187 mph, 301 km/h) at 10,000 ft (3,050 m) (econ cruise)
  • Stall speed: 57 kn (66 mph, 106 km/h) (flaps down, power off)
  • Range: 1,103 nmi (1,269 mi, 2,043 km) (econ cruise, standard fuel)
  • Service ceiling: 18,000 ft (5,490 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,100 ft/min (6.0 m/s)

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Italian Twin". Flight International. 11 June 1970.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Type certificate data sheet A.385 Vulcanair P.68" (PDF). EASA. 18 October 2017.
  3. ^ "Type Certificate data sheet A31EU" (PDF). FAA. 13 June 2019.
  4. ^ "Partenavia Victor certificated". Flight International. 30 December 1971.
  5. ^ "Guide to business aircraft". Flight International. 19 September 1974.
  6. ^ "Purchase planning handbook - pistons table". Business & Commercial Aircraft. Second Quarter 2021.
  7. ^ "Purchase planning handbook - turboprops table". Business & Commercial Aviation. Second Quarter 2023.
  8. ^ "Vulcan Air resurrects Partenavia P.68 line". Flightglobal. 15 April 1998.
  9. ^ a b "Brochure" (PDF). Vulcanair. 17 March 2015.
  10. ^ a b "World Air Forces 2021". Flightglobal Insight. 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  11. ^ "Flight history for aircraft - D-GHEA". flightradar24.com. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  12. ^ "Special Mission P68 Observer". vulcanair.com. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  13. ^ Craig, Peter (20 August 2019). "New police planes to patrol skies over North East Lincolnshire". Grimsby Live. Retrieved 29 February 2020.
  14. ^ "DFG and Partners use Aircraft and Submersible Camera to Count Pacific Sardine". cdfgnews.wordpress.com. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  15. ^ "New York State Police Aviation Unit". troopers.ny.gov. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  16. ^ "N76TW Aircraft Registration". FlightAware.com. FlightAware. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  17. ^ "Aircraft Inquiry".
  18. ^ "Special Programs".
  19. ^ * Hatch, Paul F. (July 1985). "Air Forces of the World: Bophuthatswana Air Force". Air Pictorial. Vol. 47, no. 7. p. 249.
  20. ^ "Wiki Database - Type = P.68". Aviation Safety Network. 1 July 2019.
  21. ^ "ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 40417". Aviation Safety Network. 24 January 2020.

Further reading[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Partenavia P.68
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