Fokker V.3

The Fokker V.3 was an experimental prototype developed by the Dutch aircraft builder Fokker in the early 1910s, representing a pivotal step in the evolution of monoplane design. Conceived by Anthony Fokker as part of a series of “V” (Versuchs) test aircraft, the V.3 first flew in 1916 and served as a testbed for the revolutionary cantilever wing concept that would later dominate aviation. Its most striking feature was the clean, braced‑wing layout without external struts or wires, achieved through a thick, internally braced airfoil that provided both strength and lift. Powered by a modest 80‑horse‑power rotary engine, the low‑weight airframe demonstrated excellent maneuverability and a high wing‑to‑fuselage ratio, qualities that impressed military observers. Though the V.3 never entered production, the data gathered from its flight trials directly influenced the design of the famed Fokker D.VII fighter, one of World War I’s most successful combat aircraft. The V.3’s contribution lies in validating the structural integrity of cantilever wings, paving the way for modern monoplane construction and cementing Fokker’s reputation as an innovator in early aviation engineering.

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