Koolhoven F.K.51 ... replica.
The F.K.51 was, commercially, Koolhoven's most succesful design.
It was developed on the factory's own account in the hope to receive
an order from the LVA (the pre-war Dutch airforce) 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 airforce)
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.
