| J 7 and J 9 (D.I) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Junkers J 9 modern reproduction, in Luftwaffenmuseum Berlin Gatow. | |
| Role | Fighter |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Junkers |
| First flight | 17 September 1917 |
| Primary user | Imperial German Navy |
| Number built | 41 |
The Junkers D.I (factory designation J 9) was a fighter aircraft produced in Germany late in World War I, significant for becoming the first all-metal fighter to enter service. The prototype, a private venture by Junkers designated the J 7, first flew on 17 September 1917,[1] going through nearly a half-dozen detail changes in its design during its tests. Demonstrated to the Idflieg early the following year, it proved impressive enough to result in an order for three additional aircraft for trials. However, the changes made by Junkers were significant enough for the firm to redesignate the next example the J 9, which was supplied to the Idflieg instead of the three J 7s ordered. During tests, the J 9 was felt to lack the maneuverability necessary for a front-line fighter, but was judged fit for a naval fighter, and a batch of 12 was ordered. These were to have been supplied to a naval unit by September 1918, but instead equipped the same unit redeployed to the Eastern Front after the Armistice. One survives in the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace, outside Paris, France.
Specifications[]
Data from Holmes, 2005. p 32
General characteristics
- Crew: One pilot
- Length: 7.25 m (23 ft 9.4 in)
- Wingspan: 9.00 m (29 ft 6.3 in)
- Height: 2.60 m (8 ft 6 in)
- Empty weight: 654 kg (1,438 lb)
- Gross weight: 834 kg (1,834 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × BMW IIIa water-cooled 6-cylinder inline, 138 kW (185 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 225[2] km/h (140 mph)
- Endurance: 1.5[2] hours
- Service ceiling: 6,000 m (19,700 ft)
- Rate of climb: 3.5[2] m/s (683 ft/min)
Armament
References[]
- ↑ Grosz and Terry 1984, p.67.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Kay, Anthony L. Junkers Aircraft and engines 1913-1945 p. 28 (2004). London: Putnam Aeronautical Books ISBN 0-85177-985-9
- Grosz, Peter; Terry, Gerard (1984). "The Way to the World's First All-Metal Fighter". pp. Pages 60–76. ISSN 0143-5450.
- Holmes, Tony (2005). Jane's Vintage Aircraft Recognition Guide. London: Harper Collins. ISBN 0-00-719292-4.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. pp. 536.
- World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing. pp. File 898 Sheet 1.
External links[]
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Junkers D.I. |
- Fokker D.VII, Halberstadt CL.IV and Junkers D.I
- Junkers D.I at Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace, Le Bourget
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The original article can be found at Junkers D.I and the edit history here.