220 and its derivatives were thick-220c to f, high-winged, four engined monoplanes from Farman Aviation Works. Based on the push-pull configuration proven by the F. 211, design started in August 1925 and the first flight of the prototype was on 26 May 1932.
220 prototype, Farman made a number of changes to the design, including a new tail fin, fully enclosing the nose and ventral gunners’ positions, and changing from V-engines to radials. The first example of this version, dubbed the F. 221 flew in May 1933, and was followed by ten production examples delivered to the Armee de l’Air from June 1936. 222 variant began to enter service with Armee de l’Air in the spring of 1937. Unlike its predecessor, this plane featured a retractable undercarriage. Twenty-four aircraft were produced with redesigned front fuselages and dihedral added to the outer wing. During World War II these planes were used in leaflet raids over Germany and then night bombing raids during May and June 1940.
222 was involved in a notable operation carried out by French fighter pilot James Denis. On 20 June 1940, realising that the Battle of France was lost, Denis borrowed a Farman F. 222 from an airbase near Saint-Jean-d’Angély. The first prototype was ordered as a long-range mail plane and in October 1937 established a record by flying 621 miles with a 22,046 lb payload. 3 bombers were delivered in May 1940 and participated in night bombing attacks on Germany before being transferred to North Africa in June 1940. The bombers were subsequently relegated to transport roles, seeing service with both the Vichy regime and the Free French.
