Initial Development and Design
On July 21, 1980, the Italian company “Caproni Vizzola Costruzioni Aeronautiche SpA” conducted the first flight of the C-22J prototype. This aircraft was a light jet trainer designed for primary instruction.
The C-22J shared external similarities with the Calif family of gliders and was equipped with the Microturbo TRS turbojet engine, the same one installed on the Calif A-21SJ motorglider.
Aircraft Features
The fuselage of the C-22J, a cantilever high-wing monoplane, had a “tadpole” shape and was designed on the principle of a lifting body. It featured a T-shaped tail empennage mounted on a thin tail boom, retractable tricycle landing gear, and a fuselage-mounted power plant with two engines.
Beyond training purposes, the new aircraft was intended to fulfill other tasks, highlighting its potential versatility.
Evolution and Unfulfilled Potential
In 1981, the “Agusta” company joined the C-22J program, acquiring a 50-percent controlling interest. At the initiative of this new participant, work began on building a C-22R prototype to assess its potential for use as a forward air controller aircraft, for reconnaissance, and for tactical radio and electronic intelligence.
Despite these ambitious plans, the C-22J never entered serial production. The projects remained unrealized, leaving the C-22J as an interesting prototype in Italian aviation history.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | C-22J |
| Wingspan, m | 9.20 |
| Length, m | 6.26 |
| Height, m | 1.88 |
| Wing area, m2 | 8.28 |
| Empty weight | 739 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1255 |
| Engine type | 2 MicroturboTRS 18-1 Turbojets |
| Thrust, kN | 2 x 0.98 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 518 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 325 |
| Practical range, km | 1296 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 552 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 7600 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Armament | up to 200 kg of payload on two or four underwing hardpoints |
Image and diagram gallery of the C-22J
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