The Fokker D.VII in Sweden
Bought from Hermann Göring
In February 1920, Fokker D.VIIF '7716/18' (c/n 3568) was bought by Svenska Lufttrafik AB from Hermann Göring. In that year, Hermann Göring had moved to Sweden and worked as a commercial pilot for Svenska Lufttrafik AB in Stockholm. The Fokker was not operated by Svenska Lufttrafik AB but was sold to the Swedish Air Force. There it was put into service as the ‘937’ in April 1920.
The Fokker was used as a trainer at the Malmslätt airfield. It did not have a long service life because it was struck of charge in November 1920. It had flown for 21 hours and 25 minutes.
Swedish altitude record
It did play a role in Swedish history. With this Fokker, a Swedish altitude record was set at 6900 meter on 9 June 1920 by Lt. von Segebaden. He reached this altitude in 48 minutes.
On the photo on the left you can see Hermann Göring standing before the Fokker D.VII. In the background you can see the hangar from Svenska Lufttrafik AB. (Photo source: arkivskopia.se)
On the photo below you can see the '937' with running engine. Part of the cowling is removed, probably to get better cooling.
More photos of '7716/18' and '937'
(click to view)
