FFVS J 22
FFVS (Flygförvaltningens Flygplanverkstad) · Sweden · first flew 1942 · fighter
The FFVS J 22 was Sweden's most important domestically designed and built fighter of WWII, a capable single-seat radial-engine interceptor produced entirely from Swedish resources to maintain neutrality.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | short stocky fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Swedish WWII fighter
- P&W Twin Wasp radial
- short stocky fuselage
The stocky, rounded fuselage and large radial engine cowl give it a superficial resemblance to the P-47 Thunderbolt at a glance, though the J 22 is much smaller; the short fuselage and tall undercarriage are key identifiers.
Specifications
- The FFVS J 22 has a length of 7.8 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 575 km/h (357 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
With imports cut off by wartime blockades, Sweden needed a fighter it could build domestically. The Swedish Air Force workshops (FFVS) designed the J 22 around the American Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp radial that had been stockpiled before the war. First flying in 1942, it proved surprisingly capable, achieving speeds competitive with contemporary Allied and Axis fighters.
Variants
The J 22A with the 1,065 hp Twin Wasp was followed by the J 22B with a 1,350 hp version; total production reached 144 aircraft.
Where you'll see it
Served exclusively with the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet) from 1943 to 1952, defending Swedish neutrality. A handful are preserved in Swedish museums.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.