Fokker Universal (Model 4)

Fokker Atlantic Universal (Model 4)

The order for DH-4M-2 fuselages also created room for AAC to develop its own designs. Noorduyn and A. Francis Arcier (who had transferred from Wittemann) began this process. At the Board meeting on March 3, 1925, the next step was taken. Approval was given to further develop a design for a small passenger aircraft.

On August 7, approval was given for the construction of two aircraft. The prototype was completed by the end of September.

It was shown at the National Air Races at Mitchell Field, LI, NY, from October 8th to 13th. A first buyer quickly emerged. Colonial Air Transport purchased two in January 1926 for the New York-Boston airmail route. This marked the beginning of the type's success.

46 Universals were built, although nothing is known about MSN 413 and MSN 445 was never sold. Originally, this type also began with MSN 1 and later. But from MSN 404 onwards, the model number was also indicated.

The four aircraft before this were apparently later designated as msn 400/403.

The Universal was used in a large number of countries. But besides America, Canada was the largest customer, with 21 units.

The Universal played a major role in the opening up of the bush there.

But the Universal also reached Australia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Honduras, Great Britain, Kenya, Mexico and Papua New Guinea.

During production, the type was improved. The Wright Whirlwind J-4 engine was replaced by the J-5 and later the J-6.

The final production series featured a closed cockpit. Wheel fairings and the Townend ring were also introduced. The designation Standard Universal was used to distinguish it from the Super Universal. While more expensive, this aircraft could carry more passengers than the 4 (later 5) passengers of the Universal.

The last Universal was completed in early 1931. The type continued to fly, primarily in remote Canada, until around 1940.

Click on the photo to enlarge the photo

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The first Universal purchased by Colonial Air Transport (CAT) when flying the mail route with a Fokker Trimotor was not permitted
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The prototype at Terboro Field. Originally designated MSN 1 and later probably 400.
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The second Universal, photographed just after completion at Teterboro Field. Anthony Fokker is in the cockpit.
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A CAT Universal that had to make an emergency landing in a swamp due to engine failure.
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The second prototype with the civil registration NC54 after its introduction in mid-1927.
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After CAT, Edward Hubbard was the second buyer, also with two aircraft.
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Hubbard sold one of the Universals (msn 3, later 402) to Pacific Air Transport for both mail and passenger service.
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08

This Universal msn 403 on floats was first used for the Nungesser-Coli Search Expedition but later moved to Canada.
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Businessman Richardson quickly saw the potential for the aircraft in Canada. The name Central Canada Airways was quickly changed to Western Canada Airways.
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MSN 404 flew on skis in winter conditions soon after delivery.
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In the summer, this aircraft flew on floats. Here at Canadian-Vickers in October 1927 after being rebuilt due to a fire.
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It was already clear that using floats would further increase the Universal's use. The first to use floats was MSN 405.
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Western Canada Airways purchased a large fleet of Universals. After the 404, the 406 and 407 quickly followed. Here's the 406 on skis.
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The 407 on floats; unfortunately, in early January 1928, this aircraft crashed, killing the famous pilot Stevenson.
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The largest concurrent order came from the Canadian Dept. of Marine & Fisheries, which ordered six for a reconnaissance expedition to the Hudson Straight in northeastern Canada, equipped with wheels, floats, and skis.
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The harsh conditions around Hudson Bay took their toll on the Universals. Sometimes too much.
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Aero Corporation of California also purchased Universals for both mail and passenger transport. This led to the creation of Standard Air Lines, for which MSN 416 also flew.
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The Universal msn 417 was equipped with the more powerful P&W Wasp engine and designated Universal Special because of its larger wing.
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19

Bert Acosta attempted to set a new endurance record with the MSN 418, sponsored by Splitdorf. Due to illness, he had to abandon the attempt.
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In Nicaragua, the Universal operated for the Tela Railroad, among other things, to bring salaries to the banana plantations of the United Fruit Company.
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In the close-up of MSN 422, the painted factory number can be seen on the bottom of the fuselage between the undercarriage tubes.
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22

This aircraft was delivered via Fokker in the Netherlands to a buyer in Great Britain, who flew it to Kenya. There, it was designated VP-KAB for a while.
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MSN 422 eventually ended up in Australia. Due to its long service life, it has since undergone several modifications.
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Aero Corporation also expanded its fleet, this time with msn 423
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Universal MSN 423 made headlines in February 1929 when it completed a 200-mile flight with a towed glider. Both aircraft are pictured.
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The simple cockpit of the Universal.
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The four-person cabin of the Universal.
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Record attempts were also made with Universal MSN 426, this time to improve the women's endurance record in September 1932. 'Bobby' Trout flew the aircraft
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Three Universals "somewhere in the Canadian interior." After the winter, most of the skis were replaced by floats.
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Things did go wrong sometimes; next to the G-CAIV, a Super Universal attempted a dive into the water.
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A Universal was also ordered from Australia. MSN 436 still has the original G-AUTJ registration.
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MSN 436 was later given the Australian registration VH-UTJ and crashed in Papua New Guinea.
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The Universal moved with the times when the more powerful Whirlwind J-6 engine became available.
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When the thaw set in it was time to fit the floats for the 'IX' and 'JD'.
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To avoid confusion with the Super Universal, the improved Universal was also called the Standard Universal. Incidentally, it's not painted on the nose.
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Smaller airlines also flew the Standard Universal. Here, MSN 441 of the Martz Coach Company from Wilkes-Barre.
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The Townend ring, which the company had more confidence in than the NACA cowling, was installed on many Fokker aircraft. Universals were also equipped with it.
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Flights were also flown from water in America. MSN 438 of Gaylord Adams in Portland on Edo floats.
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Universal msn 439 equipped with all the latest bells and whistles as a demonstration model.
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MSN 444 had a nose wheel (just like the original 420). It was destined for an expedition to the Pacaraima Mountains in Venezuela, which was cancelled.
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Instead of the Venezuelan plateau, the Canadian bush became the homeland of msn 444.
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To overview Fokker Atlantic series

Fokker Atlantic Universal (Model 4)

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