Aviation

The MiG-23ML is an improved variant of the standard M version, developed in the mid-1970s. The primary and most impactful difference is the enhanced maneuverability due to the refined airframe (The L in the name stands for ‘’Lyogkiy’’, meaning lightweight). The MiG-23ML also received a more powerful engine, improving its flight characteristics even further. Overall the MiG-23ML is an agile and lethal aircraft, one which allows you to create a versatile loadout of air or ground weaponry to take on and defeat any contemporary enemy in the air or on the ground.

Carrier aviation was a relatively new field when World War II began, with some nations starting with biplanes as their main carrier aircraft. However, as technology marched on and aircraft became more sophisticated and robust, the need to mate the new technology to existing roles proved pivotal to keeping the equipment the most advanced. As such, when the US Navy pursued the F3D-1, it aimed to have the first operational jet aircraft that was carrier-capable.

The Mitsubishi J2M, designated Raiden (雷電), was a single-engine fighter aircraft developed for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. It was designed to intercept high-altitude bombers and had a powerful engine, heavy armament and good speed. The J2M had several variants and was used in combat against American bombers and fighter interception over Japan and performed well, but it suffered from reliability issues and production delays. The J2M was one of the more advanced Japanese fighters of the war, but it could not alter the course of the conflict.

The Kawanishi N1K, designated Kyōfū (強風), was a floatplane designed to operate from water bases where no airstrips were available. While the Kawanishi N1K-J, designated Shiden (紫電), was a land-based repurpose of the N1K, which was considered one of the finest land-based fighters flown by the Japanese and could match the best Allied fighters.

The Yokosuka D4Y, designated as the Suisei (彗星, Comet), was a series of Japanese dive bombers designed and built by Yokosuka Naval Arsenal during World War II. The D4Y was intended to replace the D3A as the Imperial Japanese Navy's main carrier-based dive bomber. Designed with a strong emphasis on high top speed to outrun enemy interceptors, the aircraft was powered by a licensed German DB 601 inline engine, offering performance unmatched by Japanese engines at the time. However, the DB 601's advanced design proved to be a double-edged sword for both Navy and Army air development. The engine's high cost, requirement for advanced machining, and intensive maintenance needs became a significant bottleneck for production. 

The Yokosuka R2Y, designated as Keiun (景雲, Cirrus Cloud), as a unique prototype reconnaissance aircraft with a twin-engine configuration located in the centre of the fuselage and a single-nose propeller driven by an extended shaft. It underwent two test flights in May 1945, but due to engine problems and other issues, it was unable to achieve the required performance by the end of the war.

The Mitsubishi A7M, designated as Reppū (烈風, Strong Wind), was a series of Japanese fighter aircraft designed and built by Mitsubishi Aircraft Company during World War II. The A7M was intended to replace the A6M as the Imperial Japanese Navy's main carrier-based fighter. The A7M had a more powerful engine, a larger wing, and improved manoeuvrability and speed than the Zero. However, the A7M faced many technical difficulties and delays, and only a few prototypes were completed before the end of the war.

The P-51K is the last variant of the P-51 available to the Chinese tech tree. While it may not look spectacularly different from the other P-51s available in the game, it does present flight characteristics similar to the P-51D-30 that players can utilize in their battle against opposing players.

The shape of the J22 brings to mind the F6F Hellcat in the American Tech Tree, and one may come to think of the shape as a heavier fighter with high speed. However, the J22 delivers both good speed and nimbleness for the pilots who choose to use it in battle. The unassuming J22 brings a lot to the table with its powerful 13.2 mm guns and maneuverability. 

Sweden's desire to remain neutral was tested as World War 2 engulfed their neighbors. With ever-improving technology to consider, Sweden made a bold choice to go its own path and produce its own domestic fighter aircraft to be able to protect their airspace and challenge the existing fighters used by other countries. The result was the FFVS J22 fighter jet. Here is its story on how it was made to serve the Swedish military.