11-2022 KOOLHOVEN F.K.58A

The Koolhoven FK58 was a Dutch mixed low wing fighter with a classic tail. The drive was provided by a single radial motor Hispano-Suiza 14AA (in version FK58) or Gnome-Rhone 14N16 (in version FK58A) with a power of 1080 HP each. The flight of the prototype took place in 1938, and serial production continued in 1939, ending with the production of about 20 machines. At the end of the 1930s, the French air force command, trying to rearm as quickly as possible in the face of the growing threat from the Third Reich, submitted an inquiry to the Dutch factories for the development of a cheap fighter plane. The Rotterdam-based Koolhoven label, which developed the FK58, responded positively. After successfully passing the tests, the machine went into mass production, during which two versions were created: FK58 and FK58A, differing only in the engine used. Both versions were originally planned to be used in the overseas territories of France (especially in Indochina), but finally in 1939 it was decided to leave them in the metropolis where they were to provide air cover for strategic objects and communication nodes. It is worth noting that this type of aircraft was used primarily by Poles serving after the defeat of the September campaign in France. During the 1940 campaign, due to their low performance, the Koolhoven FK58s played a marginal role.