Fokker G.I

The Fokker G.I is a Dutch twin-engined, twin-boom heavy fighter, comparable in size and role to the German Messerschmitt Bf 110. Fokker chief engineer Schatzki designed it as a private venture in 1936 as an air cruiser able to win air superiority and to destroy bombers, and the prototype was built in only seven months. A central nacelle held two or three crew and a heavy armament of twin 23 mm cannon and machine guns, and it could also carry bombs for ground attack. The prototype first flew on 16 March 1937. The Dutch air force ordered 36 with Bristol Mercury engines, and Spain, Sweden and Denmark also ordered versions. Few were in service when Germany invaded in May 1940, and the Luftwaffe took over the remainder as trainers.