Fokker D.XVII - Dutch Fokker D.XVIIs

In service with LVA.

The D. XVII was assigned to the JaVA, JachtVlieg Afdeeling, Fighter Section, at Soesterberg, from May 19139 and on this group was stationed at Schiphol. There was also a Fokker D.XVII available in the strength for training purposes.

The machine for NEIAF was, without an engine and at freight costs, offered to the LVA on May 11, 1936. As this machine really did not fit with the rest of the equipment of the NEIAF. This offer was of course accepted and the aircraft was rebuilt an converted in 1937/1938 by the LVB to adapt to the other machines.

In 1938, the Hispano and Lorraine engines were worn out and replaced by the Rolls Royce Kestrel.

So there were nine engines available. On May 23, 1936, the 201 crashed caused by a broken wing and on July 15, 1938 was the 208 crashed due to an engine failure.

The different versions of the D.XVII were extensively tested and compared.
For Hispano there were high expectations especially at greater heights. The manufacturer claimed that a height of 9600 m with a standard machine should be possible.
The Dutch altitude record was then a level of 9587 m obtained with a D. XVI in 1932.
With some modifications, such as an oxygen mask, a special flight suite, 100 octane fuel and special coolant on January 18, 1935, and after a number of test flights, with which the first vapour trails appeared, the record attempt was made. A level of  11000 m was achieved without any problems.
Shortly afterwards the pilot, Wittert van Hoogland, became unconscious, because the oxygen system froze. The plane continued flying and after about 20 minutes the pilot came back and could make a safe landing. After correction, the altitude reached was 10,180 m.