Aeritalia G.222 - Design

Design

The G.222 is a twin turboprop-engine tactical military transport aircraft, and is designed to be capable of transporting equipment or troops in combat zones and operating with minimal ground support. Due to features such as double-slotted flaps, stacked brakes, and reversible propellers, the G.222 has excellent excellent short landing capabilities and is able to land in as little as 1,800 feet. As the G.222 has austere maintenance requirements and is able to operate from short, rough airstrips in remote regions, it has been heavily used in humanitarian missions across Africa, Europe and Central America.

The G.222's cargo deck can carry up to 9,000 kg (19,840 lb) of cargo or up to 53 troops; additionally, it can be outfitted to perform medevac operations; other specialist equipment can be added, such as for the signals intelligence role. The cargo deck has a large rear ramp, allowing the loading of palletised goods and vehicles, as well as doors to the sides capable of deploying paratroopers. The height of the landing gear can be manually controlled to easily facilitate the loading of various cargos.

The cockpit provides excellent external visibility for pilots, most of the key controls are centrally-placed between the two pilots. Some aircraft were fitted with refuelling probes and appropriate equipment to support aerial refuelling. Some Italian G.222s have been equipped with a self-protection suite, which uses multiple forms of sensors to warn against identified threats, this suite also includes several countermeasures such as chaff and flare dispensers.