G-22

The G‑22, conceived in the early 1920s by Russian designer Vladislav Gribovsky, was a modest but influential single‑engine monoplane that marked a turning point in post‑war Soviet aviation. Developed at the Gribovsky Aeroplane Factory in Moscow, the aircraft first flew in 1924 and entered limited production the following year. Built primarily of wood with fabric covering, the G‑22 featured a low‑wing cantilever layout, a 120‑hp Walter NZ radial engine, and fixed split‑type landing gear. Its cockpit accommodated a pilot and an optional observer in tandem, and the design incorporated interchangeable wings that allowed conversion between a trainer and a light‑sport configuration. The aircraft’s handling characteristics—stable but responsive—made it popular with flight schools and aero‑clubs across the USSR, helping to train a generation of pilots during a period of rapid expansion. Although only about 30 units were built, the G‑22 demonstrated the practicality of simple, low‑cost construction and contributed to the development of Gribovsky’s later, more advanced designs such as the G‑11 and G‑12. Its legacy endures as an early example of Soviet ingenuity in creating accessible aircraft for civil and military use.

Vladislav Gribovsky

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Production & History

Design & Classification