History

The F.K.51 was, commercially, Koolhoven's most successful design. It was developed on the factory's own account in the hope to receive an order from the LVA (the pre-war Dutch air force) which needed a new trainer. The prototype, developed in merely thirteen weeks, had its first flight on May 25, 1935. About a month later it was tested by the LVA in competition with the English Avro 621 'Tutor'. The F.K.51 sustained the comparison very favourably. Apart from the LVA, Koolhoven also received orders from the MLD (the pre-war Dutch navy airforce), the LA-KNIL (the pre-war Dutch colonial air force) and the Spanish government. Due to this success Koolhoven had to expand his factory, as well as request Aviolanda (another Dutch aircraft factory) to fabricate the fuselages.
The F.K.51 has served as trainer and scout. Its production has reached at least 160.

The project

On Thursday April 25th 2002 the Friends of the Military Aviation Museum foundation signed a contract, to build a replica of the FK51. ATN Aircraft Division gets the order to build the fuselage for the FK51. Presently the fuselage has been welded and approved by "S.V.V.H.M.L.M". The landing gear is finished and the last welding on the fuselage is ready. ATN finished a project again successfully. On Friday 8th October the fuselage is delivered and the "S.V.V.H.M.L.M" will finished the replica of this FK51. More pictures are in the photo gallery.