- Yes.
- No.
- In a future Dutch/BeNeLux techtree.
- In the French BeNeLux sub-tree
- Other (Please explain in the comments).
- I said “No” in the first question.
Hello everyone! Today I’m going to suggest the a prototype of the Koolhoven F.K. 56!
The 2nd Prototype F.K. 56, with the registration number PH-ATE
Source: Modelbrouwers.nl modelbouw • Toon onderwerp - Koolhoven F.K.56 1:72 resin kit van Dujin Models -KLAAR-
History
Spoiler
A photo of the 1st Koolhoven F.K. 56 Prototype, the PH-ASB
Source: Foto'sDuring the 1930’s the Dutch airforce was desperately trying to replace all their aging aircraft with more modern powerfull models. One important aircraft type that was required was that of a fighter-trainer. In other words, a mono-wing training aircraft.
Frits Koolhoven was asked if he could develop a new trainer in a short period of time. As is expected of Koolhoven, he quickly set out to make a new aircraft within a very short period of time. He did this by re-using parts of other aircraft he was already making.
The fuselage of a Koolhoven F.K. 51 was taken and the middle section was removed and replaced with a new one. The new middle section had two seats for the two pilots, with the pilots sitting behind one another with plexiglass around them to protect them from the elements. An interesting thing that was also added were the gull-wings, something that is exclusive to the Prototype models of the F.K. 56.
The first Prototype F.K. 56 was given the registration number PH-ASB. The aircraft was fitted with a fixed landing gear to reduce development time.
The aircraft was given to the Dutch Air Force for testing, where they put it up against a Focke Wulf Fw 56. The tests showed that both aircraft were mostly equally matched, and so the Dutch model was chosen considering Germany might not be able to deliver the aircraft due to their war.But ofcourse the first Prototype F.K. 56 was just a basic demonstrator that showed that the aircraft can work. So construction of the second Prototype started.
One big feature that was required of any future F.K. 56 models was a retractable landing gear, and so the second F.K. 56 Prototype was fitted with one. The landing gear did not retract into the wings, but instead they folded under the wings and had a streamlined fairings around them. Also it would seem that a machine gun was also added into the fairings, giving the aircraft two machine guns, one per wing.
More changes were made on the internals of the aircraft, including a Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah engine instead of the Wright Whirlwind engine that was fitted to the 1st Prototype. Also the rear of the cockpit was left open for the possibility of adding a machine gun.
The aircraft was ready of the 1st of July 1939. After this point there is not much to talk about regarding this 2nd Prototype. The aircraft was simply a stepping point towards the production model of the F.K. 56. But it’s gull-wings, Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah engine and machine guns in the landing gear fairings are all features that set it apart from the Production model so it’s an interesting aircraft to talk about.
A photo of the 1st Koolhoven F.K. 56 Prototype, the PH-ASB
Source: Foto's
Design
Spoiler
The Koolhoven F.K. 56 was a fighter-trainer with a retractable landing gear. The 2nd Prototype was powered by a 350 hp Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah IX engine.
The straight line speed at an altitude of 500 meters was 300 km/h. Which isn’t much, but then again this is only a training aircraft we’re talking about!
It seems that two machine guns were fitted inside the landing gear fairings. It’s not mentioned in any sources I’ve run into, but I see no other purpose for these small ports on the fairings. Prototype airframes always tend to be fitted with many extra features to impress potential buyers so it makes sense this was fitted.
A closeup of the landing gear fairings, with what seems to be a machine gun port sticking out.
Source: Foto's
Specifications
Spoiler
Crew: 2 (One Pilot, and one Co-Pilot/Gunner)
Length: 7.85 m
Wingspan: 11.5 m
Height: 2.3 m
Empty weight: 1,000 kg
Full weight: 1,700 kg
Powerplant: Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah IX (350 hp)
Maximum straight line speed: 300 km/h at 500 meters
Service ceiling: 7,300 m
Armament
Guns:
2 × 7.9 mm M.36 FN-Browning machine guns
1 × 7.9 mm M.20 Lewis machine gun (Rear gunner)
Ingame
Spoiler
As usualy with my Dutch vehicle suggestions, I ofcourse want to see this ingame in a Dutch or BeNeLux techtree. The F.K. 56 Prototype is an interesting one due to it being fitted with a couple of features that would end up not getting carried over to the Production models.
The aircraft would be a perfect Rank 1, Battlerating 1.0/1.3, fighter. It’s weaponry is not great, but it does have a gunner. It would feel right at home with other reserve tier aircraft.
Personally I would love to see this in a Dutch/BeNeLux techtree. This specific Prototype could be a nice little premium in my opinion. But let me know where you would like to see this ingame in the poll above!
Ofcourse the BeNeLux has been added to France, so this is now the only option where Dutch Aircraft will go to. But it must be said that the Netherlands and France have nothing in common, and do not make sense to combine together ingame.
The 2nd Prototype F.K. 56 being displayed at the Brussel Air-Show 1939
Source: Modelbrouwers.nl modelbouw • Toon onderwerp - Koolhoven F.K.56 1:72 resin kit van Dujin Models -KLAAR-
So there you have it! Please make sure to vote in the poll above, and let me know what you think of this little fighter aircraft!
Sources
Spoiler
Main sources:
- “Koolhoven, Nederlandse vliegtuigbouwer in de schaduw van Fokker” book by Theo Wesselink & Thijs Postma
- IPMS Nederland - Koolhoven FK.56
Secondairy sources:
Extra sources:
Photos:
