Fokker B.I (English version)

B.I

Fokker B.I

Preliminary translation

The prototype was built in the Fokker factory in Veere (Zeeland) and further tested in Amsterdam-Noord.

This amphibious flying boat was also tested by Anthony Fokker at naval air station De Mok on Texel.

Delivery to the Naval Aviation Service followed in the second half of 1922.

In 1923 the B.I was transported to the Dutch East Indies.

The MLD was considering an order of 72 for reconnaissance purposes.

However, the tests in the Dutch East Indies were not successful, so that only this one B.I was used.

It flew until the end of 1927.

No further order was issued.

Click on the photo to enlarge the photo

1

The B.I for the first time in daylight in front of the entrance to the factory hall in Amsterdam-Noord in 1922.
Hull, chassis and engine superstructure are already ready.
The frame of the tail group has also already been attached.
The two wings are still in the factory hall.
This amphibious flying boat was tested by Anthony Fokker at naval air station De Mok on Texel.

Vliegkamp De Mok
2

A group of Fokker employees on and in front of the first B.I flying boat.

The text "Rolls Royce" can still be read on this factory hall.
The hall was built for the ELTA exhibition in Amsterdam Noord.

In 1923 the B.I was transported to the Dutch East Indies.
ELTA 1919
3

The B.I moored in the IJ.
The difference in material is clearly visible:
The fuselage of aluminum and the wings and tail partly of plywood and canvas.

The flying boat continued to have leakage problems, even when used in the Dutch East Indies.
Dutch East Indies
4

One of the first test flights of the B.I in Amsterdam-North.
Due to the possible order from the MLD, the tail was already painted in red, white and blue.
The engine was a 450 hp Napier Lion, with a four-bladed push propeller.
Napier Lion
5

After one of the test flights back on the ground.
The four seats are clearly visible.
Anthony Fokker is in third place from the left.
Designer Walter Rethel must also be in this photo.
A good view of this amphibian's retractable wheels.
Walter Rethel
6

The B.I, just pulled ashore after a test flight in 1922.
In third place from the left is Anthony Fokker, still wearing flying goggles.
Far left: Walter Rethel, designer of this flying boat.
The slope used is in Veere or in the Amsterdam-Noord location.
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7

At the factory in Amsterdam North.
The photo offers a good view of the Napier Lion engine with 450 hp and a four-bladed pushing propeller.
Performance included 185 km/h at sea level.
The Max take-off weight was 2600 kg.
The wingspan was 18.1 m, and the length 11.8 m.
The B.I was suitable for four crew members.

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8

Before takeoff for a new test flight over the IJ.
All four seats are occupied.
It seems that the designer, Walter Rethel, is going to fly the flying boat / amphibian himself.
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9

After this test flight, the B.I is on a line at the IJ.
The flying boat is still without any indication or something.
It is not certain whether this is on the IJ or in front of the small airfield Schellingwoude of the MLD
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10

Detailed view of the installation position of the Napier Lion engine.
The rear view gives a good view of the push propeller and the two round radiators under the Napier engine.
Napier Lion
11

Start for test flight over the IJ.
The tail in red-white-blue and MLD roundel is partly visible under an auxiliary float.
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12

Back in the water of the IJ.
Signed Fokker signature with the text: "Amphibie 1922".
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13

Back on the water with tail and hull in MLD colors.

Most of these test flights took place in Amsterdam-North.
Yet there have also been trials at Vliegkamp De Mok (Texel).

This photo was taken shortly before shipment to Tandjong Priok (Port of Batavia).
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14

The B.I starts from the north side of the IJ, not far from the factory.
The release from the water was an additional problem in the pilot phase.
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15

A photo signed by Anthony Fokker with text: “Amphibie 1922”.
So here as an amphibian aircraft.
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16

The B.I on land and therefore with unfolded wheels.
This is probably at De Mok airbase on Texel.
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17

The BI above Amsterdam-Noord in the MLD colors.
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18

The B.I in MLD colors on a last test flight in 1922, still without registration.
Shortly afterwards the aircraft went, partly in separate parts, by ship to Tandjong Priok, the port of Batavia (Dutch East Indies).
There it was reassembled and flew there as FB-IA.
This flying boat remained in operation until 1927 and was then taken out of service.

At that time the MLD chose the Dornier Wal.
Dornier Wal