Koolhoven F.K.52
Koolhoven · Netherlands · first flew 1937 · fighter
The Koolhoven F.K.52 was a Dutch single-seat biplane fighter of the late 1930s, notable for its sesquiplane wing arrangement and competitive performance despite retaining an open cockpit and fixed undercarriage. It attracted export interest from several nations.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.25 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Dutch interwar biplane fighter with sesquiplane lower wing
- Single-seat fighter exported to several countries including Spain
- Open cockpit and fixed undercarriage despite its late 1930s design
Sesquiplane biplane with a large upper wing and much smaller lower wing stub, an air-cooled radial engine in a long-chord cowling, and fixed undercarriage with prominent wheel fairings.
Specifications
- The Koolhoven F.K.52 has a length of 8.25 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.8 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 380 km/h (236 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1937, the F.K.52 was evaluated by several countries including Spain and Finland. The Netherlands did not adopt it for its own air force, and the German occupation of the Netherlands in 1940 ended further development and export activity.
Variants
Only a small number of prototypes and pre-series aircraft were built; no large-scale production variant entered service.
Where you'll see it
Never entered large-scale service; evaluated by several air forces but not adopted by any in quantity.
Related aircraft
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