Fokker F.XI

The Fokker F.XI was a Dutch three‑engine high‑wing monoplane built by the Fokker company in the late 1920s. Conceived as a long‑range airliner, the prototype first flew in 1929 and quickly attracted interest from several foreign operators. Powered by three 450 hp Bristol Jupiter radial engines, the aircraft featured an all‑metal fuselage with a wooden wing structure, a spacious cabin that could accommodate up to twelve passengers, and a fixed, tail‑wheel undercarriage. Its high‑wing layout provided excellent stability and good ground clearance, while the three‑engine configuration offered a safety margin uncommon for the era. The F.XI entered service with the Polish airline LOT, the Swedish state airline AB Aerotransport, and the Romanian government, where it was used for both civilian routes and military transport duties. Although only a handful were built, the F.XI demonstrated Fokker’s ability to blend robust construction with commercial comfort, influencing later designs such as the F.XXII. The aircraft’s mixed construction and reliable powerplants made it a noteworthy step in the transition from biplane to modern monoplane transport in interwar aviation. Its legacy lives on as a symbol of Fokker’s innovative spirit during a pivotal era of aviation development.