The Fokker D.VII in service with the MLD

The MLD, which stands for Marine Luchtvaart Dienst (Naval Air Service), received it's Fokker D.VII's during 1920. All D.VII’s delivered to the MLD were equipped with the BMW IIIa engine and were registered ‘D-20’ to ‘D-39’

Delivery of factory fresh Fokker D.VII’s. Note the orange roundel.

Modification by the MLD

The MLD was not very pleased with the D.VII’s and in 1925 a modification program was started for the D.VII’s that were still in service. They received a new BMW IV engines of which twenty-five were bought. Along the new engine, they received a number of other modifications like a retractable radiator under the engine, a more styled cowling, and a headrest behind the cockpit.

The MLD D.VII’s suffered also from a lot of mishaps. Most of the time the damaged aircraft were repaired or re-built using parts made in the MLD workshop. In 1930, a new D.VII was built by the MLD workshop. This became the ‘D-40’. The last MLD D.VII was withdrawn in 1937.

MLD Fokker D.VII fighters at 'De Kooy' airfield. (Photo: NIMH Beeldbank)

The MLD Fokker D.VII ‘D-28’ was destined for a Dutch aviation museum and stored. In 1940 it was found by the Germans and taken to Germany and was on display at The Deutsches Museum in Munchen. It's MLD serial was found on the aircraft in 1980's during restoration work.

Since september 2025 this Fokker D.VII is on loan to the Nationaal Militair Museum at Soesterberg in The Netherlands, you can find this story here.

Info on individual MLD Fokker D.VII's