Today, 21st November 2025, a new Fokker took to the skies for the very first time following a 16-year build. The Fokker D.VII (a replica), registered as G-FKKR, joins Paul Ford's collection based at Duxford as it sits alongside his other replica 'Dreidecker' in Hangar 3. A massive congratulations to Paul Ford and his team as well as test pilot Dan Griffith for making this milestone. The aircraft will require several hours of air time before it can be displayed publicly, but it is very much anticipated to take part in the 2026 UK air show season.
The Fokker D.VII was widely regarded as one of the finest fighter aircraft of the First World War. Introduced in 1918, it emerged from the German government’s competition to find a superior frontline fighter, and it quickly proved itself as a standout design. Its excellent handling, high lift at low speeds, and remarkable stability made it far easier to fly than many of its contemporaries.
In frontline service, the D.VII rapidly gained a reputation for outperforming Allied aircraft. Its solid structure and forgiving flight characteristics allowed even less-experienced pilots to achieve results, while veteran aces leveraged its capabilities to deadly effect. By the final months of the war, it had become Germany’s premier fighter, prompting the Allies to specifically demand all surviving D.VIIs be surrendered as part of the Armistice — a distinction granted to no other aircraft.
Like many reproductions, G-FKKR, is powered by an inverted Gipsy Queen 30 Mk.II, but the original Fokker D.VII was powered primarily by the Mercedes D.IIIa inline six-cylinder engine, producing around 160–180 horsepower depending on the variant. Some later aircraft used the higher-output BMW IIIa engine, which significantly enhanced climb performance and made those examples particularly sought after by frontline units. Both engines contributed to the aircraft’s reputation as a rugged, stable, and highly capable fighter during the closing phase of the First World War.
Chapters:
00:00 - Fokker pushed airside
01:11 - Power checks
01:48 - Chocks away and taxi
04:02 - Take-off
04:45 - First flight checks
05:56 - Landing
07:06 - Towed back to the hangar
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