One aircraft fairly unknown outside of the Netherlands is the Fokker T.V 'air cruiser'. This was an aircraft that was developed to help patrol the borders of the Netherlands. It was not designed to take on enemy fighters, but could hold its own against larger aircraft types. It also had the secondary task of bombing. In fact, all of the Fokker T.V aircraft were eventually assigned to the only bomb unit of the Dutch Air Force and it was in that role that they operated when war came to them in 1940.

The type was not very successful in this role with a large number of the 18 built being destroyed before the country was overrun by the German Army. A few were used by the Germans long enough to have German markings applied, but a lack of spares quickly reduced the planes to unserviceability.

In this latest book by Dutch Profiles, we get a look at the full history of this unusual aircraft. Though other types were considered, it was felt best to keep things in country for this aircraft. It was a decision that was not universally applauded as the aircraft suffered a considerable number of technical problems. When it was time to order bombers for the Netherlands East Indies, the commander there chose the Martin 139 (B-10/12) in preference to the Fokker, as much due to the reliability of the Martin aircraft and its metal construction as anything else.

The book is in both Dutch and English, though not in the usual format. Most dual language books have the native language on one side of the page and English on the other. This works well for most as they can follow the photos and illustrations as the book progresses. Dutch Profiles puts all the Dutch language section first, followed by the complete English section.  The book is full of superb stories of the operations of the aircraft during the war and has undoubtedly the most complete history of the type yet published. Images are superb as are the color illustrations. These show every scheme/insignia combination used by these aircraft including a rare experimental insignia I've not seen published before.

It all makes for a superb book and one of interest to any aviation enthusiast, especially if one is interested in the more unusual aircraft. For modelers seeking a kit, you are not well taken care of in this area. Only the Aviation USK vac/injected kit has been generally available, but as that company has been out of business for several years, finding one will be problematic. We could hope that one of the MPM companies would produce one, but as it is pretty much a one-shot type, that does not seem as if it will happen soon.

This is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I know that you will as well.

Review book courtesy of www.dutchprofile.nl  where you can get your copy today.

June 2009

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