In 1948 the Flygvapnet bought fifty Spitfire PR Mk.XIX, receiving the designation S 31 (S for Spaning - reconnaissance), and were all based with F 11 in Nyköping. They served until 1955 when they were replaced by Saab S 29 Tunnans. Unfortunately none of these original Spitfires are extant today. However, the Flygvapenmuseum acquired this ex-RAF (PM627) and Indian AF (HS964) Spitfire Mk.XIX that is now restored and on display as a Swedish S 31.

ex F11 recce version of the Lansen in use with the Ljungbyhed fire brigade. Scrapped by 2001.

YoM 1958. TOC 10th Feb 1959 and SOC 18 Nov 1977. Photo: Saab.

The distinctly shaped nose of the recce variant of the Saab Draken.

Rare recce variant of the Saab Lansen.

Photographer: Lars Soldeus.

More a patrol and training aircraft than a fully fledged bomber, the Ca.313 attracted large orders from France and Britain, but these were cancelled by Italy's entry in WWII. A 900-aircraft German order also remained largely unfulfilled. Delivery of 84 machines to Sweden was completed, however. Here the Caproni was reputed to be a flying coffin. The cabin of this one does appear to be alarmingly flimsy, but this is only a non-airworthy flying replica, containing a few original parts. In fact I'm told the aircraft was quite good in itself, but suffering from unreliable engines and systems.

In 1948, Sweden bought 50 Spitfire PR.19s for its F11 wing at Nyköping, and these high performance recce Spits undertook several clandestine missions to photograph Soviet bases. This machine, RAF serial PM627, did not see Swedish service but was acquired by the Flygvapenmuseum in 1982.