Quicknation, comprehensive information and links about Anthony Fokker

Anthony Fokker (April 6, 1890 – December 23, 1939), was born in Kediri (Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia) and became a Dutch aircraft manufacturer.

At age 20 Fokker created his first plane — the (Spider) — in Germany. In his own country he became a celebrity by flying around the tower of the Sint-Bavokerk in Haarlem on August 31, 1911.

Fokker gained fame during World War I by building planes for Germany. Due to the treaty of Versailles, Germany was not allowed to build aircraft or even aircraft engines after the war. Fokker moved back to the Netherlands and started a new aircraft company in 1919. His focus shifted from military to civil aircraft. In 1922, he moved to the United States and later assumed American citizenship.

His nickname was The Flying Dutchman.

Anthony Fokker was the inventor of the interrupter gear.