Portugal advances LUS-222 airlifter development
A scale model of the LUS-222 tactical transport aircraft that Portugal is developing for national and export requirements. (Victor Barreira)
Portugal is advancing development of the LUS-222 tactical transport aircraft, with the critical design review (CDR) expected shortly.
Speaking to Janes on 28 May 2026, Brand Manager at the Centre of Engineering and Product Development (CeiiA), Rui Pedro Sousa, said that this milestone should happen before the end of 2026.
The twin-turboprop LUS-222 is being developed by CTI-Aeroespacial, a consortium established in September 2024 by the Portuguese Air Force, the CEiiA, and the national company Geosat.
Two flight trials aircraft are scheduled to be built by the Portuguese company EEA Aircraft and Maintenance at a final assembly line to be established at the Ponte de Sor Municipal Airfield, Rui Sousa said. The first aircraft is scheduled to be completed in 2028, for the commencement of initial flight test and related certification in 2029. Serial production of the LUS-222 aircraft is scheduled to be launched in 2030.
The LUS-222 will be made available in several configurations for military applications, including troop transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and aerial delivery. A configuration for civil passenger and cargo transport is also planned. CEiiA has identified the future replacement by the Brazilian Air Force of the Embraer C-95M Bandeirante aircraft as a potential opportunity for the LUS-222, Rui Sousa said.
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