Koolhoven F.K.56
Koolhoven · Netherlands · first flew 1938 · light aircraft
The Koolhoven F.K.56 was a Dutch two-seat low-wing monoplane trainer designed in the late 1930s to provide advanced flying training for the Dutch military, with performance approaching that of contemporary fighter aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.85 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Late 1930s Dutch low-wing single-engine trainer
- Tandem cockpit with open or enclosed canopy options
- Clean tapered wing typical of Koolhoven trainer designs
A clean low-wing monoplane with a radial or inline engine, tapered wings, tandem cockpits, and fixed or retractable undercarriage; similar in concept and appearance to several contemporary European advanced trainers.
Specifications
- The Koolhoven F.K.56 has a length of 7.85 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.5 m (38 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 300 km/h (186 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Frederick Koolhoven's company in Rotterdam, the F.K.56 first flew in 1938 and was intended to bridge the gap between elementary and operational fighter training. The German invasion of the Netherlands in May 1940 ended further development and production; the few aircraft completed were either destroyed or captured.
Variants
A small number of prototype and pre-series aircraft were built; no production variants.
Where you'll see it
Evaluated by the Dutch military but the German occupation in 1940 prevented operational service; Koolhoven's factory was destroyed in the Rotterdam bombing.
Related aircraft
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