The Fokker C.IX

After the successful C.V and all its variants, Fokker began work on a new reconnaissance aircraft for the LVA in the early 1930s.
However, the C.VII never made it off the drawing board, at least not as a land-based aircraft.
The C.VIII was built as a prototype, but it too proved unsuccessful as a land-based aircraft.
 

Fortunately, the MLD (Naval Aviation Service) saw potential in the seaplane variants and acquired both.
The C.VII-W and C.VIII-W performed well both in the Netherlands and in the Dutch East Indies.
 
The Fokker C.IX appeared around 1930.
 
Notable innovations included the shock absorbers, the landing gear legs and the installation of a machine gun beneath the fuselage.
Less visible but equally important was the 390-litre fuel tank behind the engine.
There were also two tanks in the wings, with a combined capacity of 352 litres, bringing the total to 742 litres.
 
Powered by a 650 hp Hispano-Suiza engine, the aircraft had a range of 1,050 km.
Yet once again, the LVA (Army Aviation Department) was not tempted to place a substantial order.
 
The C.IX delivered to Switzerland also failed to result in a licence agreement with E.K.W.
As a result, production of the C.IX reconnaissance aircraft stopped at six.

Click the photo to enlarge