The Caproni Vizzola C-22J two-seater is the last twin-jet aircraft built in Vizzola Ticino and the last to bear the famous Caproni name.
Designed under the guidance of Eng. Carlo Ferrarin and developed entirely with the company’s own resources, the C-22J originated from an American military requirement for an economical trainer and was characterized by maximum simplicity in order to limit operating and maintenance costs. Based on the experience gained at Vizzola with the successful A-21 Calif glider, it had an all-metal structure, with a side-by-side fiberglass cockpit and retractable landing gear.
The first C-22J was flown by Paolo Barberis on July 21, 1980 at Malpensa airport.
Presented at major international air shows, the C-22J proved to be very maneuverable and powerful. With the second prototype, reduced wingspan, tip tanks and more powerful engines were introduced. The Italian certification was obtained in 1988, shortly before the program was discontinued at the threshold of the FAR23 certification in the United States.
Two static test airframes and three flying prototypes of the C-22J were built. The one on display is No. 3 and is the very last airplane ever built at Vizzola. Registered in May 1985, the I-CAVT was kept in the headquarters of the Gruppo Lavoratori Anziani Caproni, until it entered the museum.