Sole airworthy Fokker C.IV N439FK (c/n 4127) over Owls Head, Maine, USA on August 28, 1999. The aircraft’s saviour, chief restorer and test pilot Ken Cianchette donated it to the Owls Head Transportation museum in 1992.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fokker C.IV / DC.I - НидерландыNetherlands - 1923

Vibrantly painted in its 1930 colours and markings, the restored N439FK carries Wark and Brown’s optimistic “Tacoma to Tokyo” legend on its fuselage. After several attempts to reach Japan, none of which got beyond the shores of North America, they abandoned the aircraft to the elements.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fokker C.IV / DC.I - НидерландыNetherlands - 1923

Another fine air-to-air shot of the C.IV over Owls Head. The characteristic Fokker construction methods, with thick-section ply-skinned wings, obviates the need for bracing wires and makes the aircraft surprisingly “slippery”.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fokker C.IV / DC.I - НидерландыNetherlands - 1923

N439FK over the Maine coastline on August 28, 1999. What a superb subject this would make for a flying model - hence the scale drawing we have provided on the facing page.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fokker C.IV / DC.I - НидерландыNetherlands - 1923

A ground-crew member lends scale to the C.IV - that propeller has a diameter of 10ft 6in.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fokker C.IV / DC.I - НидерландыNetherlands - 1923

The bullnosed cowling conceals a Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engine - the world’s only airworthy example of this powerplant.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fokker C.IV / DC.I - НидерландыNetherlands - 1923

Robert B. Wark and Edward Brown acquired the C.IV in August 1930 with a view to attempting a nonstop Seattle-Tokyo record flight in it.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fokker C.IV / DC.I - НидерландыNetherlands - 1923

This view of the instrument panel area, taken before the welded steel-tube fuselage was covered, shows the aircraft’s complement of wonderfully “antique” control switches and levers.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fokker C.IV / DC.I - НидерландыNetherlands - 1923

Creature comforts: the Fokker’s cabin has been restored to its transport configuration, complete with metal-framed wicker seats.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fokker C.IV / DC.I - НидерландыNetherlands - 1923

Fokker C.IV

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fokker C.IV / DC.I - НидерландыNetherlands - 1923