Nationale Vliegtuigindustrie Industrie

Netherlands
In 1921, a group of businessmen founded the N.V. Nationale Vliegtuig Industrie (National Aircraft Industry, Inc.), and hired Frederick Koolhoven as their chief designer. The company lasted only four years. N.V.I. turned out many technically advanced designs, which attracted attention from all over the world but virtually no orders.
In 1926 he became a consultant engineer at The Hague; then designed several aircraft, including the F.K.23A, a single-seat biplane fighter; F.K.29 three-seat commercial biplane; and F.K.31 two-seat high-wing monoplane which served in the pursuit, interception, and army observation roles, and F.K.41 three seat cabin monoplane.
At the demise of N.V.I., Koolhoven convinced several shareholders that the company would still have been viable if he had had complete control of the operations. So when N.V.I. was dissolved, its assets were taken over by a new company: N.V. Koolhoven Vliegtuigen (Koolhoven aircraft, Inc).

In 1934, when the NV Koolhoven Vlietuigen was formed, it was claimed that 51 F.K. types had been produced. More followed, including the F.K.52, an outstanding two-seat fighter biplane with cantilever undercarriage, and the F.K.58 single-seat fighter monoplane, ordered in quantity by France.

Apart from the Heidevogel of 1911, Koolhoven designed 59 aircraft, which he consecutively numbered FK-1 to FK-59. About half of this were design studies that were never built. Koolhoven designed projects FK-1 to FK-28 in England for Armstrong Whitworth and BAT, projects FK-29 to FK-34 for N.V.I. and projects FK-35 to FK-59 for his own company.

National Airways System Air King

NAS Air King Dole racer City of Peoria NX3070

In 1926 National Airways System designed and produced the three/four-seat open-cockpit Air King commercial/touring biplane. Alternative engines offered included the Curtiss OX-5, Hispano-Suiza and Wright Whirlwind.

A 1926 two place Air King was entered in the 1927 New York-Spokane Race. It was disabled when the tailskid broke on take-off and was dismantled, with its motor going to the Air King Mono-4.

A three-four place Air King was offered in 1926 (ATC 29). Designed by Orville Hickman, the price was $2,385.

The 1927 two place Air King was a larger, boxy “big brother”. About four were built, the first of which was Dole Race entry City of Peoria (NX3070, piloted by Charles Parkhurst). It was disqualified because of insufficient fuel tanks.

The 1928 three place Air King (ATC 29) was priced at $2,095-2,295 and 23 were built.

Air King
1926
Engine: Curtiss OX-5, 90hp
Wingspan: (upper) 33’0″ (lower) 34’1″
Length: 26’0″
Useful load: 850 lb
Max speed: 98 mph
Cruise speed: 84 mph
Stall: 35 mph
Range: 380 mi
Seats: 3-4

Air King
1927
Engine: Wright J-5, 220hp
Wingspan: 38’0
Seats: 2
about 4built

Air King
1928
ATC 29
Engine: Curtiss OX-5, 90hp
Wingspan: 34’1″
Length: 25’5″
Useful load: 775 lb
Max speed: 99 mph
Cruise speed: 85 mph
Stall: 35 mph
Range: 395 mi
Price: $2,095-2,295
Seats: 3
No built: 23

National Airways System

USA
In 1926 this company designed and produced the three/four-seat open-cockpit Air King commercial/touring biplane. Alternative engines offered included the Curtiss OX-5, Hispano-Suiza and Wright Whirlwind.

Feb 1925: National Airways System Inc
Founders: Glenn J Romkey & Shukri F Tannus)
Lomax IL.
USA

Sep 1928
Planned relocation to Peoria stifled by Depression.

Mar 1930
Filed bankruptcy.