Fokker
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 22 February 1912 |
| Founder | Anthony Fokker |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Fate | Bankruptcy |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany (former) Schwerin, Germany (former) Amsterdam, Netherlands |
Key people | Anthony Fokker, Reinhold Platz, Walter Rethel |
| Products | Commercial airliners Military aircraft |
Fokker (N.V. Koninklijke Nederlandse Vliegtuigenfabriek Fokker; literally Royal Dutch Aircraft Factory Fokker) was a prominent Dutch aircraft manufacturer that operated between 1912 and 1996. Established by the aviator Anthony Fokker, the company gained recognition during World War I for its innovative fighter planes. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Fokker held a dominant position in the civil aviation sector. However, the company faced a gradual decline in later decades, culminating in its bankruptcy in 1996, after which its business was acquired by rival firms.
History
Fokker's Beginnings in Germany
At just 20 years old and while pursuing studies in Germany, Anthony Fokker constructed his first airplane, the Spin (Spider), which became the first aircraft built in the Netherlands to achieve flight. Seeking enhanced prospects, he relocated to Berlin where he founded his initial enterprise, Fokker Aeroplanbau, in 1912. Shortly thereafter, he moved operations to Görries, a suburb southwest of Schwerin (coordinates Lua error: callParserFunction: function "#coordinates" was not found.), where on 12 February 1912 the company was formally established as Fokker Aviatik GmbH.[1]
World War I Era
Having sold several Fokker Spin monoplanes to the German military, Fokker set up manufacturing facilities within Germany to provide aircraft for the Imperial German Army during World War I. His initial widely produced model for Germany was the Fokker M.5, essentially a derivative of the Morane-Saulnier G, featuring a steel tube fuselage instead of wood, slight adjustments to the rudder and undercarriage shapes, and a revised aerofoil profile.[2] Recognizing the tactical advantage of arming these scouting planes with machine guns firing through the propeller arc, Fokker engineered a synchronization mechanism akin to that patented by Franz Schneider.[3]
Equipped with an improved version of this gear, the M.5 evolved into the Fokker Eindecker. Its groundbreaking armament made it one of the most formidable aircraft on the Western Front and ushered in a period of German aerial dominance known as the Fokker Scourge, lasting until new Allied fighters such as the Nieuport 11 and Airco DH.2 appeared.
During World War I, engineers at Fokker also developed the Fokker-Leimberger, an externally powered Gatling-style machine gun with twelve barrels chambered in 7.92×57mm rounds, reputedly capable of firing at rates exceeding 7,200 rounds per minute.[4]
Later stages of the war saw tensions between Fokker and other manufacturers; after the failure of the Fokker D.V—the final design by former chief designer Martin Kreutzer—to gain acceptance by the Luftstreitkräfte, German authorities compelled closer collaboration between Fokker (noted for aircraft production expertise) and Junkers (recognized for pioneering all-metal airframe construction and advanced designs). This partnership led to establishing Junkers-Fokker Aktiengesellschaft (Jfa) on 20 October 1917 but proved problematic and was eventually disbanded.[5] Meanwhile, Reinhold Platz—formerly a welder at Fokker who succeeded Kreutzer as lead designer—integrated some of Professor Junkers' design philosophies into new models, resulting in visible similarities between Junkers and Fokker aircraft throughout the following decade.
Among notable models produced during World War I’s latter half—primarily designed by Platz—were the biplane Fokker D.VI, triplane Dreidecker or Fokker Dr.I (famously flown by the Red Baron), biplane Fokker D.VII (the only aircraft explicitly mentioned in a treaty; all units were mandated for surrender under terms of the armistice) and parasol monoplane Fokker D.VIII.
Return to the Netherlands
In 1919, burdened by substantial overdue taxes—including 14,250,000 marks in income tax—Fokker returned to the Netherlands and, with backing from the Steenkolen Handels Vereniging (presently known as SHV Holdings), established a new enterprise near Amsterdam. To distance his new venture from his World War I association, he named it Nederlandse Vliegtuigenfabriek (Dutch Aircraft Factory) rather than using the Fokker brand. Despite the stringent disarmament clauses imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, Fokker managed to secure an export license in 1919, enabling him to transport six full trains loaded with parts and 180 aircraft types across the Dutch-German border. This shipment included 117 units of Fokker C.Is, D.VIIs, and D.VIIIs, providing a robust inventory that allowed rapid establishment of his operations.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
Following the relocation of his company, numerous Fokker C.I and C.IV military aircraft were supplied to countries such as Russia, Romania, and Germany’s covert air force. Commercially, Fokker achieved success through the creation of the Fokker F.VII, a versatile high-wing aircraft adaptable to various engine types. The company continued designing military planes for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, with foreign military clients eventually encompassing Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Hungary, and Italy. These nations procured significant quantities of the Fokker C.V reconnaissance aircraft, which became Fokker’s principal achievement during the late 1920s and early 1930s.
1920s and 1930s
The 1920s marked Fokker’s period of prominence, culminating in its status as the largest aircraft manufacturer worldwide by decade’s end.[6] The pinnacle of this success was the 1925 F.VIIa/3m trimotor, a passenger plane operated by 54 airlines globally and capturing 40% of the U.S. market by 1936. While sharing the European market with Junkers’ all-metal designs, it dominated American skies until challenged by the Ford Trimotor, which incorporated aerodynamic features inspired by the F.VII alongside structural elements from Junkers.
Anthony Fokker relocated to the United States in 1923 and founded an American subsidiary in 1927 named Atlantic Aircraft Corporation, later rebranded as Fokker Aircraft Corporation of America. In 1930, this entity merged with General Motors Corporation, becoming General Aviation Manufacturing Corporation; it subsequently merged with North American Aviation before GM divested its interest in 1948. Dissatisfied with being under GM’s control, Fokker resigned in 1931.
A significant setback occurred after a 1931 crash involving a Transcontinental & Western Air Fokker F-10 in Kansas revealed structural failure due to wood rot. Among those who perished was famed Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne, attracting widespread media attention and prompting thorough investigations. Consequently, all Fokker aircraft were grounded across the U.S., along with many other models that had adopted similar wing designs.
In January 1935, after negotiations in 1934 with Nevil Shute of England’s Airspeed Ltd, a licensing agreement was signed for production rights to the Douglas DC-2 and several Fokker models, with Fokker serving as consultant for seven years. Shute described him as “genial, shrewd and helpful,” though also “already a sick man” whose personal life was “irregular,” complicating dealings. Airspeed contemplated manufacturing the Fokker D.XVII for Greece due to currency preferences favoring British suppliers; however, this plan did not materialize. Shute recommended reading Fokker’s novel Ruined City for insights into Balkan business practices. With escalating tensions leading to war after one year, Dutch personnel could no longer visit Airspeed facilities or attend board meetings.[7]
Anthony Fokker passed away on December 23, 1939, in New York City following an illness lasting three weeks.
World War II
When World War II began, the limited number of G.Is and D.XXIs operated by the Dutch Air Force managed to achieve a notable tally of victories against the Luftwaffe, although many aircraft were destroyed on the ground before deployment.
The German forces seized control of the Fokker manufacturing plants, repurposing them to produce Bücker Bü 181 Bestmann trainers and components for the Junkers Ju 52 transport aircraft. By the war’s conclusion, these factories had been completely stripped by the Germans and heavily damaged due to Allied bombing raids.
Post–World War II rebuilding
Reconstruction after the war presented significant challenges, as the market was saturated with inexpensive surplus military planes. The company cautiously resumed production, initially focusing on manufacturing gliders, buses, and converting Dakota transports into civilian models. A limited number of F25s were produced. However, the S-11 trainer achieved commercial success, being adopted by several air forces. The S-14 Machtrainer, one of the earliest jet trainers, although not widely exported, remained in service with the Royal Netherlands Air Force for over ten years.
In 1951, a new factory was established near Amsterdam adjacent to Schiphol Airport. This facility produced several licensed military aircraft, including the twin-jet Gloster Meteor fighter and Lockheed’s F-104 Starfighter. A second site dedicated to production and maintenance was opened in Woensdrecht.
The introduction of the F-27 Friendship in 1958 marked Fokker's most successful postwar commercial airliner. The Dutch government invested 27 million guilders into its development. Equipped with the Rolls-Royce Dart, it became the top-selling turboprop airliner globally, with nearly 800 units produced by 1986, including 206 manufactured under license by Fairchild. Additionally, a military variant known as the F-27 Troopship was developed.
Following this, in 1962, Fokker launched the jet-powered F-28 Fellowship. Production continued until 1987, resulting in a total of 241 aircraft across multiple variants. Both the F-27 and later the F-28 were utilized by the Dutch Royal Flight, with Prince Bernhard himself serving as a pilot.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
In 1969, Fokker entered into a partnership with Bremen-based Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke, forming a multinational holding company. Together they developed the regional jetliner VFW-614, which ultimately failed commercially with only 19 units sold before their collaboration ended in early 1980.
Fokker played a key role within the consortium responsible for producing the F-16 Fighting Falcon for several European air forces: Belgian, Danish, Dutch (Royal Netherlands Air Force), and Norwegian (Royal Norwegian Air Force). This consortium comprised companies and governmental bodies from these four nations plus the United States. Assembly of F-16s took place both at Fokker’s facilities and at Belgium’s SABCA, utilizing parts sourced from all five participating countries.
Aerospace
Fokker initiated a small-scale space division in 1967, focusing on manufacturing components for European satellites. A significant milestone was achieved in 1968 when Fokker, in collaboration with Philips and Dutch academic institutions, developed the first Dutch satellite, the Astronomical Netherlands Satellite. This success was followed by another major satellite venture, IRAS, which was successfully launched in 1983. In June 1974, the European Space Agency appointed a consortium led by ERNO-VFW-Fokker GmbH to construct pressurized modules for the Spacelab program.
Over time, Fokker played a vital role in numerous European satellite initiatives and contributed to various versions of the Ariane rocket. In partnership with a Russian firm, Fokker developed the large parachute system for the Ariane 5 rocket boosters, enabling their safe descent and reuse.
The space division gradually gained autonomy and, just before Fokker declared bankruptcy in 1996, it became an independent entity known sequentially as Fokker Space and Systems, Fokker Space, and Dutch Space. On 1 January 2006, this division was acquired by EADS-Space Transportation.
Fokker 50, Fokker 100, and Fokker 70
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Following a short-lived and unsuccessful partnership with McDonnell Douglas in 1981, Fokker embarked on an ambitious initiative to simultaneously develop two new aircraft models. The Fokker 50 aimed to be a thoroughly modernized successor to the F-27, while the Fokker 100 was designed as a new airliner derived from the F-28. Escalating development expenses nearly drove Fokker to insolvency by 1987. The Dutch government intervened with a bailout package worth 212 million guilders but required Fokker to seek a "strategic partner," with British Aerospace and DASA identified as leading prospects.
Early sales of the Fokker 100 were promising, prompting the company to start developing the smaller Fokker 70 in 1991—a compact version of the F100. However, sales for the F70 fell short of expectations amid increasing competition from Boeing and Airbus. The Dutch government aircraft was a Fokker 70 between 1996 and 2017.[8]
In 1992, after protracted negotiations, Fokker finalized a partnership agreement with DASA. Despite this alliance, financial difficulties persisted primarily because DASA's parent company, Daimler-Benz, was concurrently managing its own internal challenges.
Bankruptcy
On 22 January 1996, Daimler-Benz's board resolved to concentrate exclusively on its primary automobile operations and sever its association with Fokker. The following day, a court in Amsterdam granted an extension for provisional protection against creditors.
Negotiations with Bombardier commenced on 5 February 1996. After thoroughly assessing the potential benefits and risks posed by Fokker at that time, Bombardier withdrew from the acquisition talks on 27 February. Subsequently, on 15 March, Fokker was officially declared insolvent.
The unsuccessful takeover attempt by Deutsche Aerospace (DASA) may have been influenced by contrasting national business cultures.Template:Specify
The segments of Fokker involved in component manufacturing and maintenance services were acquired by Stork N.V., which now operates under the name Stork Aerospace Group. Stork Fokker continues to support the resale market for existing aircraft by refurbishing and selling Fokker 50s and 100s, including modifications of some F50 models for cargo transport. Notable projects included creating an F50 maritime patrol variant and an executive jet version of the F100. For these developments, Stork earned the 2005 "Aerospace Industry Award" in the Air Transport category from Flight International magazine.
Other profitable branches persisted as independent entities: Fokker Space (later renamed Dutch Space) and Fokker Control Systems.
In November 2009, Stork Aerospace rebranded as Fokker Aerospace Group. By 2011, this entity adopted the name Fokker Technologies. The group comprises five distinct divisions, all bearing the Fokker brand:
- Fokker Aerostructures
- Fokker Landing Gear
- Fokker Elmo
- Fokker Techniek
- Fokker Services
The original Fokker manufacturing site at Schiphol was transformed into the Fokker Logistics Park. Among its tenants is Fokker Services.
In 1996, a new enterprise called Rekkof Aircraft ("Fokker" spelled backward) sought to revive production of the F70 and F100 models, backed by suppliers and airlines. This company later changed its name to Netherlands Aircraft Company and shifted focus toward developing a new aircraft designated as the F130NG. However, this initiative stalled by 2010 without success. In 2023, after years without progress updates, the company rebranded again as Fokker Next Gen. Alongside this rebranding, it announced plans to develop a new hydrogen-powered regional airliner. While visual concepts have been released, the official aircraft name remains undisclosed.Template:Additional citation needed
In 2015, GKN explored acquiring Fokker Technologies to expand into hybrid vehicle supply markets. The British aerospace and automotive supplier proposed purchasing the Dutch firm for €706 million.
In 2021, Panta Holdings, a Dutch investment firm, acquired both Fokker Services and Fokker Techniek to enhance its presence in aerospace industries. Panta Holdings also holds ownership of Fokker Next Gen.
Aircraft and pilots
- The Fokker E.I, introduced in 1915, was the pioneering fighter equipped with a synchronized machine gun that fired through the propeller arc, which played a key role in establishing air superiority during the period known as the Fokker Scourge.
- Renowned World War I ace Manfred von Richthofen, nicknamed "The Red Baron," is famously linked to an all-red Fokker Dr.I triplane, which he flew for a portion of his 80 confirmed kills between 1917 and 1918.
- The Fokker D.VII, introduced in 1918, demonstrated such superior performance that the Allies demanded the surrender of every unit upon Germany's defeat.
- In 1923, aviators Oakley George Kelly and John Arthur Macready accomplished the first nonstop transcontinental flight across North America using a Fokker T-2.
- The historic 1927 transatlantic journey from New York City to Paris was completed by Richard E. Byrd aboard the Fokker F.VII named America.
- In 1928, Amelia Earhart became the pioneering female passenger to cross the Atlantic Ocean by air, traveling in a Fokker F.VII.
- That same year, aviator Charles Kingsford Smith achieved the inaugural trans-Pacific flight piloting another F.VII model, the Southern Cross.
- Finnish pilot Jorma Sarvanto gained international recognition during the Winter War by downing six Soviet Ilyushin DB-3 bombers in rapid succession while flying a Fokker D.XXI fighter.
- The 1951 introduction of the Fokker S.14 Machtrainer marked one of the earliest jets designed specifically for pilot training worldwide.
- For over two decades, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands served as a co-pilot approximately twice monthly on commercial flights operated by KLM Cityhopper and Martinair, flying primarily on Fokker 70 aircraft.
1912–1921
- Fokker Spin
- Fokker M.1 – military variant known as M.4 Spin
- Fokker W.1 – predecessor to W.2
- Fokker M.5
- Fokker M.6
- Fokker B.I (M.7)
- Variants: W.3/W.4
- Fokker A.I (M.8)
- Fokker K.I (M.9)
- Versions: B.I (M.10E) and B.II (M.10Z)
- Fokker M.11
- Fokker M.12
- Series of Eindecker fighters:
- Fokker E.I (M.14)
- Fokker E.II (M.14)
- Fokker E.III (M.14)
- Fokker E.IV (M.15)
- Prototypes: M.16E and M.16Z
- Fighters:
- D.I/B.III (M.18)
- Fokker D.II (M.17)
- Fokker D.III (M.19)
- Other models:
- Fokker M.20
- Fighters:
- Fokker D.IV (M.21)
- Fokker D.V (M.22)
- Fokker V-series:
- V.1
- V.2 and V.3
- V.4
- F.I (V.5)
- Dr.I ('Dreidecker')
- V.6
- V.7
- V.8
- V-series including V.9, V.12, V.14, V.16, and V.33
- Dr.I variant (V.10)
- D.VI (V.11)
- D.VII (V.13)
- V-series from V.17 through V.25
- D.VIII/E.V (V.26)
- V-series including V.27 and V.37
- D.VIII variants: V-series 28, 29, and 30
- D.VII variants: V-series 31, 34, 35, and 36
- C.I (V-series 38)
- V-series including V39 and V40
- V42
- F-planes:
- F.I/F-II (V44)
- C.I series
- PW-5/F.VI
- F-II (V45)
- F-III
- F-IV
- T-II
- S.I (V43)
- D-planes:
- D-IX
- D-X (V41)
1922–1940
- Fokker B.I
- Fokker S.II
- Fokker S.III
- Fokker F.V
- Fokker C.IV
- Fokker D.XI
- Fokker DC.I
- Fokker T.III
- Fokker B.II
- Fokker D.XII
- Fokker F.VII
- Fokker C.V
- Fokker D.XIII
- Fokker S.IV
- Fokker D.XIV
- Fokker F.X
- Fokker B.III
- Fokker F.XI "Universal"
- Fokker F.VIII
- Fokker T.IV & T.IVa
- Fokker B.V
- Fokker C.VII-W
- Fokker C.VIII
- Fokker B.IV
- Fokker F.XIII
- Fokker D.XV
- Fokker F.XIV
- Fokker D.XVI
- Fokker F.IX
- Fokker B.VI
- Fokker C.IX
- Fokker F.XI
- Fokker S.V
- Fokker D.XVII
- Fokker F.XII
- Fokker F.XV
- Fokker F.XVI
- Fokker F.XVII
- Fokker F.XXI
- Fokker F.XIX
- Fokker D.XVIII
- Fokker F.XVIII
- Fokker S.VI
- Fokker F.XX
- Fokker C.X
- Fokker S.VII
- Fokker F.36
- Fokker Model 118
- Fokker D.XIX
- Fokker D.XX
- Fokker DC.II
- Fokker T.VI (Model 115)
- Fokker F.22
- Fokker C.XI-W
- Fokker F.23
- Foker B.V (Model 109)
- foker F.40 (Model 160)
- [foker T.VII]
- [foker f.56]] (model 127)
- [foker c.xii]
- [foker c.13w]
- [foker d.xxi]
- [foker f.xxxvi
Designs from the Fokker-Atlantic era
- Atlantic Ambulance A-2
- Artillery Observation / Atlantic Observation: AO-1
- Transport: C-2
C-5 C-7 C-14 C-15 C-16 C-20 Mailplane: CO-4 Mailplane CO-4 Observation: CO-8 Light Bomber: LB-2 Attack: XA-7 Bomber: XB-8 Sport/Trainer: B11 Sport/Trainer Airliner & freighter: Universal Airliner & Freighter Super Universal Airliner & Freighter Military: FLB/PJ AF15, PW5, D-VII PW6, D-XI PW7, RA, T2, XJA1 Super Universal,
XLB2 Light Bomber,1945–1996
- Fokker F.25 Promotor
- Fokker S-11 & S-12 Trainer Aircraft
- Fokker S-13 Multi-role Trainer
- Fokker S.14 Machtrainer
- Fokker S.15
- Fokker S.16
- Fokker F26 Phantom
- Fokker F27 Friendship
- Fokker F28 Fellowship
- Fokker F.29
- Fokker 50
- Fokker 60 Utility Aircraft
- Fokker 70
- Fokker 80
- Fokker 100
- Fokker 120NG (under development)
- Fokker 130 (conceptual phase only)
- VFW-Fokker/Republic Aviation D-24 Alliance Variable sweep wing VTOL design
References
- ↑ "Anthony Herman Gerard Fokker." Fokker, A Living History. Retrieved: 19 December 2010.
- ↑ Weyl 1965, pp. 65–67.
- ↑ Weyl 1965, p. 96.
- ↑ "Motor Guns-A flashback to 1914–18." Flight, 8 March 1957, pp. 313–314.
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Oud-regeringstoestel KBX, een Fokker 70, weer te koop
Sources
- Bowers, Peter and Ernest McDowell. Triplanes: A Pictorial History of the World's Triplanes and Multiplanes. St. Paul, Minnesota: Motorbooks International, 1993. ISBN 0-87938-614-2.
- Dierikx, Marc. Fokker: A Transatlantic Biography. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1997. ISBN 1-56098-735-9.
- Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- Hegener, Henri. Fokker – the man and the aircraft Herts, UK: Harleyford Publications, 1961. LCCN 61-10595
- Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- Molson, K.M. Pioneering in Canadian Air Transport. Winnipeg: James Richardson & Sons, 1974. ISBN 0-919212-39-5.
- Nevin, David. The Pathfinders (The Epic of Flight Series). Alexandria, Virginia: Time-Life Books, 1980. ISBN 0-8094-3256-0.
- Postma, Thijs. Fokker: Aircraft Builders to the World. London: Jane's, 1979. ISBN 978-0-71060-059-2.
- Weyl, A.R. Fokker: The Creative Years. London: Putnam, 1965. ISBN 978-0851778174
External links
- Official website of Fokker Technologies
- Gallery showcasing Fokker aircraft
- Rekkof official site (Archived 2017-01-05 at the Wayback Machine)
- Historical overview of Fokker
- Dedicated FokkerPilot.net resource
- Comprehensive Fokker aircraft information
- Image of Fokker assembly hall with multiple F-16s
- Terms of Armistice
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- Fokker
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- Dutch brands
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- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1912