What does "VS" mean in the G222VS?

Short answer

"VS" stands for Versione Speciale, "special version": the designation given to the G.222's electronic warfare (ECM) variant, of which two aircraft were built for the Italian Air Force. The other versions follow the same Italian pattern: the SAA was the firefighter and the RM, the radio and radar calibration aircraft.

Published: October 31, 2026 · Updated: October 31, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

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Versione Speciale

The letters "VS" in the G.222VS stand for Versione Speciale, "special version." That designation identified the transport's electronic warfare (ECM) variant, of which two aircraft were built for the Italian Air Force.

Italian acronyms in the other versions

The G.222SAA stood for Sistema Aeronautico Antincendio, "aeronautical anti-fire system," and was the firefighter, equipped to drop water or chemical retardants; four were built for the Italian Air Force. The G.222RM came from Radiomisura, "radio measurements," and was the radio and radar calibration aircraft. In 1983, a single Italian Air Force G.222 was fitted out for firefighting, alongside a C-130 already performing that role.

The G.222 program

In 1962, NATO published a specification for a V/STOL transport aircraft —NATO Basic Military Requirement 4— capable of supporting dispersed V/STOL fighters. On 18 July 1970, the first prototype made the aircraft's maiden flight, with test pilot Vittorio Sanseverino at the controls. In December 1975, the first production aircraft made its first flight. In April 1978, that same aircraft formally entered service with the AMI.