J-22 - the Swedish fighter

J-22 - Rank II Swedish fighter. Before the Second World War Sweden realized, that its air fleet was obsolete, and many opportunities to acquire new equipment abroad failed due to unacceptable offers, embargoes or unrealistic delivery times. SAAB had already reached maximum capacity with the production of SAAB 17 fighters and SAAB 18 bombers and could not help. To overcome this problem, a new company and factory (Royal Air Administration Factory in Stockholm, FFVS) was established to design and manufacture J 22 fighters. This fighter was quite simple - a steel-framed, plywood-clad aircraft of conventional construction. The main landing gear was retracted into the fuselage and everything was made simple and affordable to speed up their production and maintenance. An unlicensed copy of the "Pratt & Whitney" R-1830 engine was built and used for this aircraft (but license fees were later paid). Not only did the fighter's simplicity make it a dream for designers and mechanics, pilots, who flew it, said it was well-liked and very responsive, giving it good maneuverability. Although there were problems, typical of tail-wheel aircraft, forward visibility during taxi was terrible and the tail-wheel had to be locked during takeoff to prevent the aircraft from bouncing and crashing. Pilots found, that the J22-A could hold its own in mock combat with Swedish P-51s (J 26s) as long, as they remained below 4,000 m (13,000 ft), but once the fight began higher, the fighter lost any parity or advantage it had had against the "Mustang" and required the pilot to actually work the controls so as not to lose the ability not only to attack, but also to defend. During sharp turns, the J22 sometimes accidentally flipped onto its back.

A small, uncomplicated, well-designed and fairly richly detailed model airplane, suitable even for advanced beginners and modellers with little experience, working under the supervision of a more experienced colleague. Excellent detailing of the cabin, engine, chassis, exterior details. There is no stock of colors, both graphic and textual instructions are large, clear and informative, perfectly complementing each other.