TAVAS Collection
Fokker D.VII
Arguably the best fighter of WW1, around 3,300 Fokker D.VIIs were produced in the summer and autumn of 1918.
It was the only aircraft type specifically named in The Armistice, with a clause requiring Germany to surrender every example to the Allies at the conclusion of hostilities. Surviving aircraft saw continued widespread service with many other countries in the years after World War I, after Anthony Fokker personally managed to smuggle numerous examples out of Germany so he could continue his business in Holland.
Previous Fokker fighters had all used Rotary engines. The D.VII used an inline 6 cylinder Mercedes or BMW engine, which helped make it a very stable gun platform. This, combined with a thick airfoil section that enabled operations at high altitudes and high angles of attack, made the D.VII a formidable air superiority weapon.
The TAVAS replica is outwardly complete but is awaiting a suitable engine, instruments and covering to become another flying exhibit.
