Definition
The Fokker S.II was a two‑seat, single‑engine biplane primary trainer aircraft developed and manufactured by the Dutch aircraft company Fokker in the early 1920s.
Overview
Designed to replace the aging Fokker S.I, the S.II entered service with the Royal Netherlands Navy (Koninklijke Marine) and the Dutch Army Aviation (Luchtvaartafdeling) around 1922. A total of approximately 30 units were produced, serving primarily as elementary flight trainers for novice pilots. The aircraft remained in operational use throughout the 1920s and was gradually superseded by later Fokker trainer types such as the S.III.
Etymology / Origin
The designation “S” in Fokker’s trainer series stood for “Stagiair,” the Dutch term for “trainee” or “apprentice.” The numeral “II” indicates that it was the second model in this trainer line, following the earlier S.I.
Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Airframe | Conventional single‑bay biplane with equal‑span, staggered wings. Constructed primarily of wood and fabric, with a welded steel tube fuselage framework. |
| Powerplant | Equipped with a 100 hp (75 kW) Le Rhône 9C rotary engine, driving a two‑bladed wooden propeller. |
| Dimensions | Length: ~7.2 m (23 ft 7 in); Wingspan: ~10.0 m (32 ft 10 in); Height: ~2.8 m (9 ft 2 in). |
| Weight | Empty: ~620 kg (1,367 lb); Maximum take‑off: ~900 kg (1,984 lb). |
| Performance | Maximum speed: ~150 km/h (93 mph); Cruise speed: ~120 km/h (75 mph); Service ceiling: ~3,500 m (11,500 ft). |
| Crew | Two seats in tandem – instructor behind, student pilot forward, both with open cockpits. |
| Landing gear | Fixed, conventional (tail‑dragger) undercarriage with wooden shock‑absorbing struts. |
| Armament | None; the aircraft was not intended for combat. |
Related Topics
- Fokker S.I – The predecessor primary trainer, a single‑seat aircraft.
- Fokker S.III – The subsequent trainer model introduced in the mid‑1920s, featuring a more powerful engine and improved aerodynamics.
- Royal Netherlands Navy Aviation – The branch that operated the S.II for naval pilot training.
- Dutch Army Aviation (Luchtvaartafdeling) – Early Dutch land‑based military aviation service that employed the S.II.
- Primary trainer aircraft – Category of light aircraft used for basic flight instruction.
Note: The specifications provided reflect the most widely documented configuration of the Fokker S.II. Variations may have existed in individual aircraft due to modifications or differing powerplant installations.