Fokker V.42

The Fokker V.42 was a single‑seat, single‑engine prototype fighter built in late 1917 as part of Reinhold Platz’s series of experimental combat aircraft for the German Imperial Luftstreitkräfte. Designed under the direction of Anthony Fokker but largely engineered by Platz, the V.42 continued the evolution of the iconic Fokker D.VII lineage, incorporating a streamlined, cantilever wing, a compact fuselage and the powerful 185 hp Mercedes D.IIIa engine. Its most significant innovation was the use of a large, interchangeable upper wing panel that allowed rapid adjustment of wing area, a concept Platz hoped would give pilots an edge in climb and maneuverability without sacrificing structural strength. Although only one airframe was completed and never entered mass production, flight testing in early 1918 demonstrated excellent handling and a top speed near 200 km/h, confirming the aerodynamic advantages of the low‑drag wing shape. The V.42’s experimental approaches to wing modularity and structural efficiency directly influenced the later D.VII and post‑war Fokker designs, cementing Platz’s reputation as a forward‑thinking aeronautical engineer whose work helped shape modern fighter layout. Today, aviation historians view the V.42 as a stepping stone that demonstrated how aerodynamic refinements could yield performance gains, and it remains a testament to Platz’s innovative spirit.

Reinhold Platz

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