Fokker facts for kids
Fokker was a famous Dutch company that built airplanes. It was started by Anthony Fokker in 1912. The company began in Germany and later moved to the Netherlands in 1919. Fokker was very successful in the 1920s and 1930s, making many planes for regular flights. Sadly, the company went out of business in 1996.
Contents
What was Fokker?
Fokker was an aircraft manufacturer, which means they designed and built airplanes. The company was named after its founder, Anthony Fokker. He was a very talented airplane designer and pilot. Fokker started his company in 1912 in Germany. After World War I, the company moved to the Netherlands in 1919.
Early Days and World War I
In its early years, Fokker built many planes, especially for military use during World War I. These planes were known for being strong and fast. One of the most famous Fokker planes from this time was the Fokker Dr.I, a three-winged plane often linked to the famous German pilot known as the "Red Baron". Fokker also made other important fighter planes like the Fokker D.VII and the Fokker Eindecker fighters. These planes helped change how air battles were fought.
The Golden Age of Aviation
After World War I, Fokker became a leader in making planes for regular passenger flights. This was a very exciting time for aviation, often called the "Golden Age." Fokker's planes, like the Fokker F.VII, were used by many airlines around the world. These planes helped make air travel more common and reliable. They were known for being safe and able to carry many passengers. Fokker planes were flown across continents, connecting cities and countries like never before.
After World War II
After World War II, Fokker continued to build new types of aircraft. They focused on planes that could be used for both military and civilian purposes. Some of their later well-known planes include the Fokker F27 Friendship, a popular turboprop airliner, and the Fokker F28 Fellowship, a successful jet airliner. Later, they developed the Fokker 50, Fokker 70, and Fokker 100 series, which were modern jet aircraft used by many airlines. Even though Fokker built many great planes, the company faced financial problems and eventually went bankrupt in 1996. Its operations were then sold to other companies.
Images for kids
-
Fokker's first airplane, the Spin (Spider) (1910)
-
Fokker Eindecker in flight
-
Fokker F.VII
-
Fokker-built Gloster Meteor of the Belgian Air Force in 1955
-
The Fokker F-27 turboprop airliner
-
Fokker 70, Fokker's last successful aircraft
-
Fokker 100
-
Fokker Dr.I replica at the ILA 2006, the "Red Baron" triplane
See also
In Spanish: Fokker para niños
