Fokker F.11

The Fokker F.11 was a Dutch‑designed, twin‑engine high‑wing monoplane introduced in the early 1930s as a purpose‑built airliner for short‑range routes. Developed by the Fokker Aeroplane Company under the direction of Anthony Fokker’s successors, the aircraft first flew on 15 March 1930 and entered service shortly thereafter with KLM and other European operators. Its all‑metal construction combined a sturdy steel‑tube fuselage with fabric‑covered wings, while the 420 hp Wright Whirlwind radials gave it a cruising speed of about 180 km/h (112 mph) and a range of roughly 800 km. The cabin could accommodate eight passengers in a comfortable, enclosed layout, a notable improvement over the open‑cockpit transports that preceded it. Innovative features included retractable landing gear – one of the first European airliners to adopt the system – and a fully enclosed cockpit providing better visibility and protection for the crew. Though only a handful were built, the F.11 demonstrated the transition from wood‑and‑fabric biplanes to modern metal monoplanes, influencing later designs such as the Fokker F.XXII. Its service during the interwar period helped establish reliable commercial aviation in the Netherlands and set standards for passenger comfort and aircraft reliability.