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Koolhoven F.K.56

1938 WORLD WAR 2

Koolhoven F.K. 56 Stories

The Dutch aircraft company N.V. Koolhoven, founded in 1926, maintained a health record of the aircraft it designed and developed for itself during its entry into World War II (1939-1945).

The company's historical influence ended after May 1940, when the Germans advanced towards Paris through the Netherlands and Belgium. Before his death, Kurhoeven was able to offer several notable designs, one of which became the "F.K. 56", a modern monoplane used for basic training.

Only 31 such examples were completed, which were incorporated into air services in the Netherlands and Belgium.

F.K. 56 tandem her two crew members under a framed, fully enclosed canopy. As usual, the engines are mounted in the front of the fuselage, and the main planes of the wings are set lower on the sides of the fuselage. Fixed main wheel legs are mounted on each wing, and tail wheels are located under the rear of the aircraft. The rear wing itself is conventional, using a vertical rear wing with a mid-mounted horizontal plane.

As a base trainer, the aircraft's intended role is to introduce future pilots to the nuances of modern flying -- so no weapons are installed.

Dimensions include a length of 7.8m, a wingspan of 11.5m and a height of 2.3m. The kerb weight is 1,060kg and the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) is 1,600kg. The F.K.

56 is powered by an American Wright "Cyclone" R-975-E3 radial piston engine producing 451 horsepower, has a top speed of 185 mph, a range of up to 500 miles, and a service ceiling of 24,000 feet.

The first flight of the prototype was recorded on June 30, 1938. The second prototype was followed by a retractable landing gear, and the third prototype was followed by an improved main aircraft and dual controls. Based on the latter's offer, the Dutch army ordered 10 aircraft, and the Belgians subsequently ordered 20 in February 1940.

This type was available during the German invasion in 1940, but did little to stop the defeat of their respective countries - all ten were delivered to the Dutch and the Belgians took their order before their fate was determined 7 out of 20.

With the collapse of the Kullhofen facility at Warhaven Airport - destroyed by German bombs - and the conquest of Holland and Belgium, the F.K. 56 no longer exists.