File:Fokker CVD ‘349’ (SE-ALS) (49239509913).jpg

c/n 133 Built 1931 at the Kjeller factory in Norway. Saw action flying reconnaissance missions during the early part of WW2 before being evacuated to Sweden in April 1940. Given the civil registration SE-ALS in Sweden in 1942, she was gifted to the Royal Norwegian Air Force in 1949 and flown back to Norway for preservation. Now on display in the Military Aircraft Hall of the Norsk Luftfartsmuseum (Norwegian Aviation Museum). Bodø, Northern Norway 24th May 2019

The following information is from the Museum website:-

“The Fokker C.V is a two-seater biplane built by Anthony Fokker. It was launched in 1924. It was the world’s first multi-role military aircraft and it could be adapted to any military task by changing the upper wings and/or engine. The plane became a great export success and was sold to, or produced under licence in, a dozen countries including Norway. Altogether more than 850 of these aircraft were built. The plane’s popularity was due mainly to it being easy to maintain and very versatile. Two types of standard upper wings were produced. With the 41-foot “D” wing the aircraft could be used as a fighter, reconnaissance plane or for artillery observation. With the 50-foot “E” wing the aircraft could be adapted for reconnaissance or bombing missions.

The Army Air Force bought five Fokker C.V-Es in 1927. The purchase also included rights to produce a further 42 aircraft under licence. By 1939, 15 C.V-Es and 27 C.V-Ds had been built by the Kjeller aircraft factory. After 1934 the C.V-D was fitted with more powerful Armstrong Panther engines, built under licence in Norway. On 9 April 1940 forty Fokker C.Vs were still intact. They were used for reconnaissance and light transport during combat operations, especially in North Norway.