If you're playing with the J22, any chance of a standard one in Ethiopian markings to serve alongside their real world B-17s...
For sure, maybe doped silver to match the B17s ... or desert camo?
Brian: Thanks! Here's some whif FFVS J22 variants ...
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Eksport - the FFVS J22E for FinlandThe first is a J22E in full Finnish markings. [1] In
Ilmavoimat service, the J22E was nicknamed '
Ruotsalainen' ('The Swede'). Less flatteringly, the J22 was also dubbed
Fyrkka ('The Needful') - a nickname based on its sketchy maintenance record. The J22 may not have been well suited to Finnish operating conditions but maintenance issues were exacerbated by Helsinki under-investing in spares.
(
Top)
Ilmavoimat FFVS J22E, note German-supplied R/T mast and antenna.
Vatten - the FFVS J22V Float FighterThe FFVS J22V was a straightforward floatplane (
sjöflygplan) adaptation of the J22A. A single, main float (
central ponton) tied into the landplane's landing gear mounting points. Wing ribs were strengthened to allow for the twin outrigger floats (
stabiliserande flottörer). An enlarged vertical tail and rudder were substituted for the originals but, otherwise, the airframe remained largely unchanged. [2]
The J22V prototype was prepared to meet the
Flygvapnet's requirement for an
Öjakt or 'Island Fighter'. In theory, the
Öjagern were to provide additional fighter coverage from 'unbombable' bases. Of course, Sweden's many lakes and its Baltic shoreline were only useable when ice-free. But, this view of the
Öjakt concept was something of a ruse.
In reality, the
Flygvapnet was trying to match a secret Swedish defence scenario. That was: a potential Swedish take over of the Åland Islands in the Gulf of Bothnia should Finland fall to the Soviets. The idea was that a
fait accompli occupation would thwart any plans by the Soviet (or Nazi Germany) to occupy those islands. No serious planning was undertaken for such an occupation as Stockholm had realized that the Ålands were effectively beyond the reach for the Swedish military.
All of the strategizing was a moot point for the
Öjagern team. The overall performance of the float-fitted J22V was singularly disappointing. The float fighter retained a surprising degree of manoeuvrability but its lowered top speed made its chances of intercepting attacking aircraft improbable and any success in fighter-to-fighter combat highly unlikley. Accordingly, the
Öjakt programme was quietly abandoned and the sole J22V was reduced to spares for its
landflygplan bretheren.
(
Bottom) Prototype FFVS J22V (white stripe on float pylon indicates new crew mounting steps. Note that this aircraft has note yet been fitted with its radio antenna.
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[1] The
Ilmavoimat J22E purchase was made necessary by difficulties with the domestic fighter programme - the VL
Myrsky. After brief use with fighter squadrons, the surviving J22s were re-equipped for the fighter-reconnaissance role.
[2] Initially, it was planned that the float fighter would have a larger range due to added fuel tanks. Later, to lower all-up weight it was decided to eliminate the land-fighter's fuselage tank and rely entirely upon the two fuel tanks within the main float.