Comprehensive Aeritalia Fiat G.222 Technical Documentation

This digital collection assembles authentic technical manuals for Italy's first indigenous turboprop tactical transport aircraft. The Aeritalia Fiat G.222 served with distinction for over four decades, providing tactical airlift capability for Italy and numerous other nations. These original documents provide detailed specifications and procedures used by air force crews and maintenance personnel operating this versatile military transport.

Historical Note

The Aeritalia Fiat G.222 entered service with the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana) in 1978 as Italy's first domestically designed and produced tactical transport aircraft. Developed to replace aging American-supplied C-119 Flying Boxcars, the G.222 represented Italy's determination to achieve self-sufficiency in military transport aviation and demonstrated the maturity of the Italian aerospace industry.

Designed by Giuseppe Gabrielli—the legendary engineer behind the wartime G.55 Centauro fighter and the postwar G.91 light fighter—the G.222 featured a high-wing configuration, rear loading ramp, and twin General Electric T64 turboprop engines. This layout provided excellent short-field performance, allowing operations from rough or unprepared airstrips just 1,800 feet long—a critical capability for tactical military operations.

Powered by two T64-GE-P4D turboprops producing 3,400 shaft horsepower each, the G.222 could carry up to 53 troops, 36 stretcher patients, or 19,800 pounds of cargo. The aircraft's pressurized cargo compartment and rear ramp allowed rapid loading and unloading of vehicles, palletized cargo, or paratroopers. The high wing kept engines and propellers well clear of debris during operations from unprepared surfaces, while the rugged landing gear absorbed the punishment of repeated landings on rough fields.

The Italian Air Force became the primary operator, eventually acquiring over 40 aircraft in various configurations. G.222s served as tactical transports, medical evacuation platforms, electronic warfare aircraft, and maritime patrol variants. Italian crews flew G.222s on humanitarian missions, peacekeeping operations, and military exercises throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The aircraft proved particularly valuable during United Nations and NATO operations in the Balkans during the 1990s.

The G.222 achieved significant export success, demonstrating Italian aerospace capabilities on the international market. Argentina purchased G.222s for its air force, using them for tactical transport throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Dubai, Libya, Nigeria, Somalia, Thailand, and Venezuela also operated the type, with some nations using their aircraft for both military and civilian roles including cargo transport and firefighting.

The United States became an unexpected operator when the U.S. Air Force acquired 10 G.222s (redesignated C-27A Spartan) in the 1990s for special operations support. These aircraft served with Air Force Special Operations Command, providing tactical airlift for special forces units. While the C-27As were eventually retired, the experience led to development of the improved C-27J Spartan, which featured modern avionics and more powerful engines.

The C-27J Spartan, developed jointly by Alenia Aeronautica (successor to Aeritalia) and Lockheed Martin, represented a comprehensive modernization of the G.222 design. Featuring new Rolls-Royce AE2100 engines, glass cockpit, and improved systems, the C-27J retained the excellent short-field performance and rugged construction of the original while offering significantly enhanced capability. The C-27J has achieved considerable success with air forces worldwide, validating the soundness of Giuseppe Gabrielli's original design.

Italian Air Force G.222s remained in service until 2017, an impressive 39-year career that testified to the aircraft's reliability and versatility. The type participated in countless humanitarian missions, disaster relief operations, and military deployments, earning a reputation for dependability and capability in demanding conditions. Several nations continue operating G.222s, while others have upgraded to the C-27J.

Today, the Aeritalia Fiat G.222 is remembered as a successful tactical transport that served Italian and international operators with distinction for four decades. The aircraft demonstrated that medium-sized nations could develop world-class military transports, and its evolution into the C-27J Spartan ensures that Giuseppe Gabrielli's final design continues influencing tactical airlift operations worldwide.

What's Included

This collection contains essential technical references for the Aeritalia Fiat G.222:

• Flight Operating Manuals – Complete pilot procedures, short-field operations, performance data, and emergency protocols
• Loadmaster Manuals – Cargo loading procedures, weight and balance calculations, and airdrop operations
• Maintenance Instructions – Detailed servicing procedures, inspection schedules, and troubleshooting guides
• Parts Catalogs – Illustrated parts breakdowns with nomenclature and part numbers
• Technical Orders – Official modifications, updates, and service bulletins
• Structural Repair Manuals – Airframe repair procedures and specifications
• Systems Documentation – Powerplant, avionics, hydraulic, electrical, and cargo handling systems

Digital Delivery

All manuals are delivered as high-resolution PDF files, optimized for both screen viewing and printing. Download immediately after purchase and access your files anytime from your account. Perfect for reference, research projects, or building your aviation library.

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Disclaimer: Sold for historical and reference purposes only. These original or reproduced manuals and blueprints are transferred to electronic format from active-duty archives. Not intended for current certification or repair work. Ideal for scholars, collectors, modelers, and aviation enthusiasts. We provide civil manuals and blueprints on obsolete aircraft, engines, and helicopters for proprietary reasons. Information is for reference only; completeness and accuracy are not guaranteed.

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