The following explanation is provided by Jan F. Homma, Historian, F27 Friendship Association, The Netherlands.

The RLD (CAA-NL) F27 Type Specification Data Sheet A22F Issue 11 dated 1 September 1986 shows that the Mark 100 was approved on 29 October 1957 and the Mark 200, 300, 400, 600 and 700 were approved on 25 May 1965. The only difference between the Mark 400 and Mark 600 is an all-metal floor in the Mark 400 and a normal floor in the Mark 600.

The FAA F27 Type Certificate Data Sheet A-817 Revision 16 dated 15 May 1995 gives the same dates as above.

The EASA F27 Type Certificate Data Sheet A.036 Issue 2 dated 20 May 2005 also gives the same dates.

Table of Variants

(Note: The above table was revised and expanded by Jan F. Homma in January 2011.
The first column of the last line was corrected to F27/8 on 20FEB16)

Conclusion: It looks like Fokker started using the Mark 600 number only from late 1968 onwards. However, it appears that this change was made retrospective to May 1965. (Source: 9)

The following explanation is drawn from Air-Britain's Fokker F.27 Friendship (Source:3)

"In November 1968 the F.27 Mk 600 was introduced and was a new version of the Mk 200 but incorporating the large forward cargo door. It differs from the Mk 400 in not having the heavy duty, strengthened cabin floor. A quick-change interior featuring roller tracks and palletised seats and/or cargo pallets can be fitted in the Mk 600. To standardise production both the Mk 400 and Mk 600 aircraft are constructed to the same specification with the exception of the cabin floor. Aircraft c/n 10385 for Trans-Australia Airlines (VH-TQN) was the first true Mk 600 airframe built. Some earlier Mk 400 aircraft, built without the heavy duty floor, have since been re-designated Mk 600 aircraft to bring them in line with the current situation. The Mks 200/400/500 and 600 are all operated to the same flight manual and are certificated to the same maximum take-off weight"*. (Source: 3)

* The maximum take-off weight was 45,000 pounds for all but the Mk 500 which was 45,900 pounds. (Source: 9)

Subsequent to this change, Fokker identified c/n 10315 (VH-FNQ) as a Mk. 600 Version 6108. (Source: 3)

The Australian Register of Civil Aircraft dated January 1967 shows VH-FNQ as an F27/2.
The July 1967 edition shows VH-FNQ as type F27/4.
By January 1969 VH-FNQ has become type F27/400 (F27-400 also used later).
In November 1990 VH-FNQ was deleted from the Australian Register as type F27/600.
In May 1996, the aircraft returned to the Australian Register as VH-WAN as type F27/600.
(Source: 2)

DOT, DASH OR NOTHING?

There is much debate over the correct presentation of the designation for the Friendship. It is common to see F27, F.27 and F-27 but which is correct? Most seem to agree that F-27 is incorrect as this designation is generally reserved for the version built under licence by Fairchild in the United States. A later stretched version built by Fairchild-Hiller was known as the FH-227.

The first two prototypes of the Friendship built by Fokker in Holland were actually painted as "F.27 Friendship" but it seems that this format subsequently fell into disuse to be replaced by "F27". Aircraft Type Certificates which are now administered by the European Aviation Safety Agency also use "F27". Accordingly, this website will standardise on F27 unless directly quoting other sources.

HOW TO SAY FOKKER