Fokker V.18

The Fokker V.18 was a prototype fighter aircraft developed by the Dutch firm Fokker in the late 1910s as part of a series of experimental “V” (Versuchs) models intended to explore advanced aerodynamics and structural concepts. First flown in early 1919, the V.18 incorporated a low‑wing monoplane layout that contrasted sharply with the company’s earlier biplane successes such as the Dr.I and the D.VII. Powered by a 300‑horsepower, 11‑litre Hispano‑Suiza 8B engine, the aircraft featured a streamlined wooden fuselage, a plywood‑covered wing with a thin airfoil, and external removable radiators that reduced drag. Its control surfaces were enlarged and fitted with aerodynamic balances, giving the pilot superior roll and pitch authority compared with contemporary fighters. Although the V.18 never entered production, the design provided critical data on lightweight monoplane construction and high‑speed handling, influencing later Fokker models like the D.XXI and the celebrated F.VII transport. The prototype demonstrated that the transition from fabric‑covered biplanes to sleek monoplanes was feasible, marking a stepping stone in the evolution of interwar military aviation and solidifying Fokker’s reputation as an innovative aircraft manufacturer.

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