General Avia F.22

The General Avia F.22 Pinguino is an Italian two-seat aircraft by GeneralAvia. The aircraft has two side-by-side seats in an enclosed canopy cockpit. It was the 22nd aircraft designed by Stelio Frati. The aircraft was manufactured in four configurations, as well as a prototype four-seater.

The F.22 is used as a military trainer in several countries. It is aerobatic certified and capable of -3g to +6g maneuvers. The F.22/C model is used by a Dutch aerobatic team called Red Sensation.

After the prototypes were built, about 30 pre-production models were built under the technical direction of Pasquale De Rosa. Mass production began thereafter. De Rosa reduced the production time from about 6000 hours to about 2000 hours after making hundreds of certified changes. The production models of the F.22 are certified in Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and New Zealand.

Variants

F.22/A

This variant has a Textron Lycoming O-235-N2C engine and fuel tank. It can also come equipped with a retractable undercarriage.

F.22/B Pinguino

This variant has a Textron Lycoming O-235-N2C engine and fuel tank. It can also come equipped with a retractable undercarriage.

F.22/C Pinguino

This is the high-powered variant, as detailed in the specifications section.

F.22/R Pinguino-Sprint

This variant has a Textron Lycoming O-320-D1A engine, a constant-speed propeller, and retractable undercarriage.

F.220 Airone

This is a four-seat prototype of the F.22 with doors and a cabin rather than a sliding canopy. It has a IO-360-A1A engine and fuel tank. Full development was delayed.

Bibliography

• Taylor, Michael. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1996/97. London:Brassey's, 1996. Template:ISBN.