Retrofit wheels and brakes for the Piaggio Avanti I, II and Evo are now in the advanced stages of development and certification, according to the Italy-based OEM and Parker Aerospace Aircraft Wheel & Brake. Launched last year, the upgrade includes forged aluminum wheels and steel brakes, the latter promised to reduce overhaul costs by as much as 70 percent over the stock carbon brakes.

The companies recently completed overpressure, radial load, fatigue (roll) and brake endurance tests, while the final wheel load tests are slated to be completed by month-end. Preliminary physical fit and static functional checks have also been conducted on both the Avanti and Evo landing gear configurations. On-runway braking tests will then be performed before final approval sometime next year.

The new forged aluminum wheels include safety features that protect against manual or thermally induced tire over-pressurization, as well as heat shields to help maintain normal tire temperatures. Meanwhile, the steel brake integrates “seamlessly” with existing hydraulic systems and requires no modifications to install. Price has yet to be announced, but Parker said it will be “very competitive.”