Originally Posted by
pax britanica
Extra ordinary pics, F50 fuselage seems to be a very rugged construction being seemingly intact after landing on its back and having both wings torn off. I suppose it is similar if not the same as the F27 /FH227 forebears designed and built in the 1950s where ruggedness for this type of aircraft was essential given the kind of places they would routinely operate to. Mogadishu sounds an incredibly scary place to operate into.
The Fokker 50 is very rugged indeed. One day at Schiphol I saw one landing with only its NLG and left MLG leg. Solid piloting skill gave it a silky landing. Replacing a piece of skin and part of a frame and it was ready to fly again.
It was certainly not the same, Wikipedia will give you some basic upgrade information. Much improved engines and modern cockpit and modern interiors are examples.
One thing that did not change was the general layout with the high wing and long MLG legs required for the rough and unimproved runways. These required for the original F27 Friendship being the successful DC3 replacement.