Koolhoven F.K.58
Koolhoven · Netherlands · first flew 1938 · fighter
The Koolhoven F.K.58 was a Dutch single-seat fighter monoplane developed in the late 1930s, featuring a powerful radial engine and retractable undercarriage. It was ordered by both France and the Dutch military but few entered service before the German invasion.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.69 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Dutch pre-war radial-engine fighter monoplane
- Low wing with retractable undercarriage and enclosed cockpit
- Ordered by France and the Netherlands before German invasion
A compact low-wing monoplane with a large radial engine cowling, retractable main gear with distinctive spat fairings, and an enclosed sliding canopy; broadly similar to other 1938-era European fighters.
Specifications
- The Koolhoven F.K.58 has a length of 8.69 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.96 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 483 km/h (300 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The F.K.58 first flew in 1938 and was considered a capable design competitive with contemporary European fighters. France placed an order for 50 aircraft but delivery was disrupted by the fall of France in May 1940; the Netherlands also procured small numbers.
Variants
The F.K.58 had limited variant development; a version with a Gnome-Rhône 14N engine was built for French orders. The Koolhoven factory was destroyed during the German invasion, ending further development.
Where you'll see it
Very few F.K.58s saw combat; those in French hands were used briefly in 1940. The type is primarily of interest as a capable but unlucky design that was overtaken by wartime events.
Related aircraft
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