Junkers J.I

  • Period: First World War (1914-1918)
  • Uses: Observation
  • First Flight: early 1917
  • Display Status: In Reserve Hangar.

Developed for low-level, front-line observation, the Junkers J.I was the first all-metal aircraft to go into series production anywhere in the world. The completely armoured nose-capsule of 5-mm chrome-nickel sheet-steel enclosed the engine and crew compartment. Its weight, combined with the relatively heavy metal construction, resulted in a fairly slow aircraft but provided effective protection against ground-fire. Of 227 Junkers J.Is built, it is not known how many served with the German Air Force or the nature of their activity.

The Museum aircraft is the only surviving Junkers J.I. The strength of its metal structure eliminated the need for external bracing wires typical of other biplanes of the time. Although heavy, cumbersome, and slow to take off from rough ground, J.Is were immensely strong and well suited for low-level observation. Although downward-firing machine guns were planned, they were found too difficult to aim and were not used.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: 586/18
  • Manufacturer: Junkers-Fokker Werke A.G., Germany
  • Manufacture Date: 1918
  • Construction #: 252
  • Aquisition Date: 1969
  • Provenance: Transfer from the Canadian War Museum

Manufactured in 1918, the Museum aircraft was sent to Canada as a war trophy in 1919. It was put on display for a time, then stored in various locations until it became part of the Museum collection in 1969.

Specifications

Wing Span:
16 m (52 ft 6 in)
Length:
9.1 m (29 ft 10 1/4 in)
Height:
3.4 m (11 ft 1 7/8 in)
Weight, Empty:
1,766 kg (3,893 lb)
Weight, Gross:
2,140 kg (4,718 lb)
Cruising Speed:
140 km/h (87 mph)
Max Speed:
155 km/h (96 mph)
Rate of Climb:
2,000 m (6,560 ft) / 32 min
Service Ceiling:
Unknown
Range:
Unknown
Power Plant:
one Benz BzIV, 200 hp, in-line engine

Canada’s Got Treasures!

The Virtual Museum of Canada has launched Canada’s Got Treasures!, an innovative online destination where museum treasures and your treasures come together. View the video featuring our Junkers J.I. Visit more of our treasures at Canada’s Got Treasures!.