The Little World

You have to give the Swedes credit for neutrality. Otherwise they might sell themselves to your enemies.

Perhaps this is a little harsh on them. They have not been officially at war for over 200 years, though they were key players in Scandinavia and Middle Europe prior to that. They made a number of enemies – some of which are still going today.

Not having to fight is not the same as not having to threaten to fight. The Swedes have got that one down to a fine art, and have built up a fine export industry in guns and aircraft. In the case of the J-22 I don’t think they tried to sell it – and no-one pestered them for it, either. It was purely home-grown defence against whoever might fly over the border. Whether it would have been successful is a moot question.

Four .50 machine guns, a knock-off Pratt and Whitney, and no external fuel tanks would have kept it home even if the Swedish Air Force had been willing to try their luck. It is a slick design nevertheless, and a lot less phenocky than their twin-tail SAAB.

If it had been made in modern times it would probably have had an official store name like ” Flyytershuutum ” or ” Bangatydil ” and you could have got it in three colours: avocado, ebony, and teal. Aisle 3 Rack 78.

Note that the kit went together smoothly, and even the complex landing gear was a breeze to super-glue in place. The decals released well and settled but the printing was a bit wonky. They definitely need to employ Cartograf for their next kits.

Final note: The Swedish Air Force developed special tactics for ground attack based on swooping. There was even a song made about it: ” Swing Low Swede Chariot “…