Armstrong Whitworth F.K.7 / F.K.8
Designed by Frederik Koolhoven, the F.K.8 prototype first flew in May 1916, and was similar to its predecessor, the F.K.3 and intended to supersede the capabilities of the FK.3.
![]() F.K.8
The first RFC unit to receive F.K.8s was 35 Squadron, which flew fully-equipped to France on January 24, 1917. Number 2 Squadron began to re-equip in April 1917; 10 Squad-ron in July; 8 Squadron in August, and 82 Squadron, fully equipped with the type, arrived in France in November 1917. In the Middle East zone of operations, 17 and 47 Squadrons in Macedonia, and 142 Squadron in Palestine were equipped with F.K.8s by 1918, and continued to operate them until the end of the war. In England, several home defence units were partly equipped with the F.K.8, and one belonging to 50 Squadron was responsible for shooting down a Gotha bomber on July 7, 1917.
![]() F.K.8
At least 1596 machines were built and delivered for service use. By October 31, 1918, a total of 694 F.K.8s were still on RAF charge, but at the end of 1919 few examples remained. Eight found their way onto the Civil Register, and two went to Australia where they helped to pioneer air travel from late 1922 onwards.
![]() F.K.8
Armstrong Whitworth F.k.7 / F.K.8
Engine: 1 x 160hp Beardmore
Wingspan: 13.26 m / 43 ft 6 in
Length: 9.58 m / 31 ft 5 in
Height: 3.33 m / 10 ft 11 in
Max take-off weight: 1275 kg / 2811 lb
Empty Weight: 1,918 lbs (870kg)
Max. speed: 153 km/h / 95 mph / 83kt
Service ceiling: 3690 m / 12100 ft
Armament: 1 x 7.62mm Vickers mg, 1 x 7.62mm Lewis mg
Crew: 2
Hardpoints: 4 ![]() |