The FFVS J 22 was a single-engine fighter aircraft developed for the Swedish Air Force during World War II.
It entered service in October 1943, at the F9 air wing at Gothenburg, with the last of the 198 aircraft delivered in April 1946. Sub-assemblies for the J 22 were made by over 500 different contractors.
The J 22 was well liked by its pilots and possessed good manoeuvrability and responsive controls. Forward visibility on the ground left something to be desired and if the tailwheel was left unlocked and able to swivel during take-off there was the potential to ground-loop. In mock dogfights with P-51 Mustangs (called J 26 in Swedish service) it was able to 'hold its own' up to 5,000 metres (16,000 ft) although, above 6,000 m (19,000 ft), without a good high altitude supercharger, it became sluggish. Because of its simple systems the J 22 was very easy to maintain and service.
With 575 km/h (360 mph) from a 795 kW (1,065 hp) engine, the press called the diminutive fighter 'World's fastest in relation to the engine power' (while not absolutely true, it was in the same class as the early marks of Supermarine Spitfire and Zero). The J 22 crews promptly modified this to 'World's fastest in relation to the track width' (for which the Spitfire might also have competed), because of the very narrow wheel track. The aircraft was retired in 1952.
