The Swedish air force museum: Propeller combat aircraft

Propeller aircraft in the Swedish air force museum

Saab S 17B

Saab's first own aircraft design served with the air force in several different versions, as dive bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, and was also exported. Designations were B 17 and S 17 with designations.

This one was built in 1942, military serial 17005.

FFVS J 22-2

Successful indigenous design when importing fighters was difficult and most of the regular aviation had no spare capacity, this was built of non-strategic materials by lots of subcontractors. Designation was J 22-1 or J 22-2 depending on armament.

Built in 1945, c/n 280, military serial 22280.

Saab B 18B

This type served as ground and maritime attack and maritime surveillance in different versions, designated B 18 and S 18 with different suffixes.

The reconnaissance aircraft and some pathfinders were fitted with radar in an external pod, a Radiation Laboratory AN/APS-4, designated PS-18A.

Built in 1945, military serial 18172.

Saab A 21A-3

Designed as a fighter, and thus at first designated J 21, it served better as a ground attack aircraft as A 21. Notice the bomb rack on this one.

Built in 1948, military serial 21364.

North American P-51D Mustang

The Mustang was a large leap forward for the Swedish fighter force, as it had a better equipment fit than earlier fighters. Designation was J 26.

Built in 1944, c/n 44-63992, military serial 26020.

Supermarine 390 Spitfire PR Mk.XIX

The Spitfire served as a reconnaissance aircraft with the designation S 31, until being replaced by Saab Tunnan in that role.

Built in 1945, c/n 6S-699626, never served with the Swedish air force, thus given the serial 31051, one number higher than the last issued. The fin number 51 also wasn't used by any operational S 31. This one is ex RAF PM 627.

Continue: Jet fighters, part 1

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The photos here are all by me, 1988 and later
Document last modified 1997 Feb 11 by Urban Fredriksson

griffon@canit.se