Hugo Junkers was the first aircraft manufacturer who experimented, successfully with all-metal aircraft. Developed for low-level, front-line observation and attack, the Junkers J 1 was the first all-metal aircraft to go into series production anywhere in the world. The strength of its metal structure eliminated the need for external bracing wires typical of other biplanes of the time. To protect the crew from ground-fire the JI was armoured with 5-mm chrome-nickel sheet-steel that enclosed the engine and crew compartment.

Although heavy, cumbersome, and slow to take off from rough ground, J 1s were immensely strong and well suited for low-level observation/attack. Its weight, combined with the relatively heavy metal construction, resulted in a fairly slow aircraft but provided effective protection against ground-fire. It first flew in early 1917, but development took a while. Around 227 were built and used on the Western Front during the Kaiserschlacht of March 1918.

The National Aviation Museum of Canada owns the only surviving Junkers J 1. 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.

Technical Details
The Junkers J1 was made by Junkers-Fokker Werke A.G., Germany. It held two men, the pilot and gunner/observer. It was powered by a 200 hp (150kW) Benz BZIV in-line engine. Due to it's relatively great weight of 4,700 lb (2,140 kg) it was a slow aircraft, achieving only 96 mph (155 km/h). The ceiling and range are not known as it typically flew at low levels. It was armed with two or three 7.92 mm machine guns, one on the cowl and either one or two for the rear gunner. Although downward-firing machine guns were planned, they were found too difficult to aim and were not used.