D.XVI

Fokker D.XVI

After a request from the LVA, Fokker developed the D.XVI, a one-and-a-half-decker, with a 460 hp Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar 14 cylinder radial engine in two rows of 7.
The prototype made its maiden flight in July 1929.
The AS Jaguar engine was equipped with a so-called townend ring, this reduced the air resistance and ensured better air cooling of the engine.
The D.XVI fighter was equipped with 2 Vickers M20 machine guns that were later replaced by FN brownings.

Of the 21 aircraft built, 16 went to the LVA, 14 aircraft were registered, the other two were replacement aircraft for crashed D.XVIs.
Four D.XVIs went to the Hungarian Air Force, one for a demonstration to Italy. Later, the same plane went to China, where it was confiscated by Japan in 1931 during the Sino-Japanese War.
The Hungarian D.XVIs were equipped with Bristol Jupiter radial engines.
One D.XVI has flown with a 590 hp Armstrong Siddeley Panther IIIa engine with a three-bladed propeller.
No armament was mounted on this aircraft, due to the three-bladed propeller, the synchronization system was not functioning.
Another aircraft was equipped with a 650 hp Curtiss Conquerror V1570 engine, this version would possibly go to the ML-KNIL.
On March 20, 1931, this aircraft crashed at Schiphol and was not further developed.

During the operational existence of the D.XVI at the LVA, changes were made to the landing gear.
The D.XVI was employed by the LVA from 1929 to 1939.

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