Caproni Vizzola Ventura

The Caproni Vizzola C22 Ventura was a light jet-powered aircraft developed in Italy for use as a military trainer. It was of conventional sailplane configuration and bore a family resemblance to the Caproni's Calif gliders, although the Ventura had an almost entirely metal structure. The student and instructor sat side-by-side under an expansive canopy, and weapons hardpoints were provided under each of the slender, high-mounted wings. Retractable, tricycle undercarriage was fitted.^[2]

In 1981, Agusta acquired 50% of the C22 programme and proposed a new version, the C22R, which was to have been a reconnaissance aircraft also capable of Forward Air Control and ELINT operations. The basic C22J trainer was exhibited at Farnborough Air Show in 1980^[1] and September 1982, but failed to attract any customers, and the proposed C22R was never actually built.

Specifications (C22J)

General characteristics

• Crew: 2, pilot and instructor
• Length: 6.19 m (20 ft 3 in)
• Wingspan: 10.00 m (32 ft 10 in)
• Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
• Wing area: 8.8 m² (94 ft²)
• Empty weight: 720 kg (1,590 lb)
• Gross weight: 1,135 kg (2,500 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 × Microturbo TRS 18-046, 1.0 kN (220 lbf) thrust each

Performance

• Cruising speed: >482 km/h (299 mph)
• Range: 740 km (460 miles)
• Service ceiling: 7,600 m (24,930 ft)
• Rate of climb: 9.1 m/s (1,810 ft/min)

Armament

• Up to 250 kg (551 lb) in disposable stores

References

• Braybrook, Roy (1981). "Trainer with a difference-1:The Caproni Vizzola C-22J". Air International. Vol (Bromley, UK: Fine Scroll) 20 No 2 (February 1981): pp. 59–65. ISSN 0306-5634. 
• Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. pp. 921. 
• World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing. pp. File 891 Sheet 12.