Koolhoven FK.31
History
This aircraft was the first design made by Frits Koolhoven in service of the NVI (Nederlandse Vliegtuig Industrie = Dutch Aircraft Industry). The aircraft, a hunter- reconnaissance aircraft, was shown in public at the air-show at Paris in 1923.
The flying qualities proofed to be disappointing, so a second, much improved prototype was built.
The French factory Etablissement Buscaylet-De Monge received a license. The first and only French aircraft, designation M.101C-2, built, was tested but the French air force, but no order followed.
| Dimensions: | |||
| Length: | 7,8 m | Wingspan: | 13,7 m |
| Height: | 3,4 m | Wing area: | 27,2 m2 |
| Weights: | |||
| Empty weight: | 1050 kg | Max. start weight: | 1800 kg |
| Performances: | |||
| Max. speed: | 255 km/hr | Climbing speed: | - m/min |
| Cruising speed: | - km/hr | ||
| Range: | 6 hours | Service ceiling: | 7200 m |
| Miscellaneous: | |||
| Engine type: | One Bristol Jupiter rated 450 hp | ||
| Crew: | One aviator | ||
| Armament: |
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In 1923 the LA-KNIL was looking for a fighter-reconnaissance aircraft. After comparing the Fokker C.V and the NVI FK-31 (also known as Koolhoven FK-31) the Fokker proofed to be much better.
Despite the outcome of the competition the LA ordered in 1924 also four NVI FK-31 to be able to test the air-cooled engine under tropical conditions.
They were delivered in March 1926. Because maintenance of the aircraft proofed to be difficult, the FK-31 was written of in 1930.
| Serial | Construction nr. | Date in service | Date out of service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K.421 | 03-1926 | 06-1930 | ||
| K.422 | 03-1926 | 06-1930 | ||
| K.423 | 03-1926 | 06-1930 | ||
| K.424 | 03-1926 | 06-1930 |
1/72nd Scale
Kits
- Vami
- Kit XX: a resin kit of an early Fk-31 (different tail unit).
- Omega
- Kit 72462: A resin kit of a production FK-31 with Belgian markings.
- Kit 72464: A resin kit of a Koolhoven FK31 (H-NACA, F-AHAE prototypes).
- Kit 72460: A resin kit of a Koolhoven FK31 Prototype.
- Kit 72436: A resin kit of a Koolhoven FK31 (H-NACG).
- Kit 72459: A resin kit of a De Monge - Koolhoven M101c-2.
- Kit 72463: A resin kit of a De Monge - Koolhoven M101.
Of these models only Omega-kits 72462 and 72459 are suitable to built a FK-31 of the NEIAF without modifications.
Modeling add-on
- Aeroclub
- Set E033: 9 cyl. Bristol Jupiter IV/VI (Gamecock, Woodcock)
Decals
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1/48th Scale
Kits
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- Kit -: -
Modeling add-on
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- Set --: --
Decals
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- Set --: --
| Scheme | Colour name | FS number | WEM | Humbrol | XtraColor | Vallejo Model Color | Vallejo Model Air | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard #1 | Overall | LVA Khaki | AC D04 | 29? / 155? | x2? /x251? | 70.921? / 70.887 | ||
Check www.paint4models.com for an extensive conversion table with lots of colour and paint systems.
Literature.
| Militaire Luchtvaart in Nederlandsch-Indië in beeld. Deel 1 | Hugo Hooftman | Pag. 64 - 65 | 1978 | Uitgever: Europese Bibliotheek, Zaltbommel |
| Koolhoven Nederlandse vliegtuigbouwer in de schaduw van Fokker | Theo Wesselink & Thijs Postma | Pag. 47 - 53 | 1981 | Uitgever: Unieboek b.v., Houten |
| De Nederlandse Vliegtuigen: Alle vliegtuigen ooit in Nederland ontworpen en gebouwd | Theo Wesselink & Thijs Postma | Pag. 37 | 1982 | Uitgever: Romen Luchtvaart, Haarlem |
| 40 Jaar luchtvaart in Indië | Gerard Casius & Thijs Postma | Pag. 22 - 25 | 1986 | Uitgeverij De Alk, Alkmaar |
Websites.