American-built Fokkers 

At AAC, the devices were identified by a model number alongside the type designation.

However, no confirmation has been found regarding the assignment of the first three model numbers. But three types qualify for this:

  • An improved C.IV that was delivered to America as a CV/A-1
  • The S.III/S-3 that was extensively modified in America
  • The series production of the DH-4M-2 fuselages.

The Universal, developed entirely in America, was subsequently released as Model 4. Although Peter Bowers claims the XLB-2 bomber would have been Model 5, that is less likely. After all, the single-engine F.VII and the F.VII/3m had already been purchased by AAC much earlier.

The first was possibly Model 5 and the second was listed as Model 6.

An F.VII/3m adapted to American requirements, produced as a C-2 (Army) and TA (Navy), was designated Model 7 in the civilian version.


Model 8 was originally assigned to a small sports aircraft, the Skeeter, but was later also used for the Super Universal. There were also two different types for model 9.

The first was an imported B.IIIc flying boat and the second became the F-11 flying boat/amphibious vehicle.

It had a metal B.IV fuselage built in the Netherlands. It was completed in America and fitted with a wing produced there.


After that, the model numbers become less confusing:

  • Model 10 was used for the F-10 and F-10A (Super) Trimotor
  • Model 11 was the H-51, a small aircraft with a metal fuselage, designed by Huff.
  • Model 12 concerned the F-12, later named F-32 after the maximum number of occupants.
  • Model 13 was a small, single-engine parasol deck about which little is known.
  • Model 14 was used for the F-14 parasol-wing aircraft for civil aviation.
  • Model 15 was once again a military Trimotor, namely the C-7A, of which the civilian version, the F-9, was not built.
  • Model 16 was a twin-engine military reconnaissance aircraft for the Air Corps, the O-27, of which an example was also delivered as a B-8 bomber.
  • Model 17 concerned an all-metal attack aircraft for the Air Corps, the A-7.
  • Model 18 was a military version of the F-14, which entered service with the Air Corps as the C-14.
  • Model 19 (uncertain) concerned the H-54, the FA-1 fighter aircraft designed by Huff for the Navy.
  • Model 20 (uncertain) was the AF-15 flying boat that was built as an FLB for the Coast Guard.


When the name of the Fokker factory was changed to General, the model numbering was continued for a while:

  • Model 21 could have been used for either the intended production of the Thaden T-4 or for the all-metal Trimotor GA-38 that was never completed.
  • Model 22 was assigned to the production of the Pilgrim 150, which was acquired from Fairchild and marketed as the GA-43.


Following the merger of General with B/J, the latter's type designations were carried over. The GA-15 corresponded to the later O-47, and the NA-16 trainer (originally named GA-16) entered production as the BT-9. This was the predecessor of the well-known Harvard series.


Fokker had a good nose for top talent. Two examples of this are Alexander Kartveli and Edgar Smued.

The beginnings of the Fokker factory in America. The imported CO.IV Mail, the first Universal, and the S.III converted to an S-3 in America outside the Wright hangar at Teterboro Field.

When the Atlantic Aircraft Corporation (AAC) was founded in late 1923, there was no Fokker factory yet. Besides Anthony Fokker himself, there were American shareholders and the expectation of orders.

However, AAC did become the owner of two F.IIIs, two spare BMW engines, and a CO.IV Mail without a (Liberty) engine.


In March 1924, it became clear what plans the Air Service had for new equipment. Trainers and reconnaissance aircraft in a light and heavy class would be purchased.

Noorduyn had already requested a year earlier that an S.III be sent, which had arrived in January 1924. In addition, he asked for an improved C.IV to be shipped to America quickly.

These were the first products that AAC was going to offer to Air Service. This may be why they were later referred to as Model 1 and 2.

During that same period, the Air Service requested quotations for new DH-4 fuselages. Not entirely coincidentally, they were equipped with a steel tube fuselage, in which Fokker was an expert.

With three irons in the fire, steps were now taken to start up a real factory. One was found in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, with a small airfield that later grew into Teterboro Airport.


By clicking on the photo, you will be taken to the detailed description of the type.