The BV 222 Wiking model plane flight crew consisted of two pilots, two flight engineers, a navigator and a wireless operator. To help the pilot on longer missions an autopilot system was fitted to a three-section elevator. The pilot controlled the outer and inner sections with the autopilot controlling the central section.
Armament was upgraded a number of times although, even with its most powerful arrangement, the aircraft was still vulnerable to fighters. Upgraded BV 222As had the unusual arrangement of two turrets mounted in the wings aft of the outer engine nacelle each armed with single 20-mm (0.79 in.) cannon.
Of all metal construction, the two-step hull was covered by corrosion-resisting alloy sheet which varied from 3 mm. to 5 mm. in thickness. It was divided into two sections, the lower for passengers/cargo and the upper for the flight crew.
The main passenger/cargo portion of the hull was very spacious thanks to the lack of bulkheads. The bulkheads were fitted between the keel and the floor.
The all-metal wings were supported by a single, immensely, strong, wing spar measuring 145-cm. in diameter. The spar was sub-divided to contain six fuel tanks.
The fin and rudder were large and, after initial problems, provided good directional stability. The rudder was operated by two interconnected tabs driven by the main circuit. The elevator was mounted near the base of the fin.
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