Junkers D.I
The Junkers DI (factory designation J 9) is a fighter aircraft of the Junkers - Fokker AG, which was used at the end of the First World War by the German Air Force as reconnaissance aircraft.
Development
Building on the 1917 yet designed Junkers & Co. Junkers J 7 J 9 was developed in spring 1918 by the Junkers - Fokker AG founded recently in a similar design with greater span and a more powerful engine and automotive -like front radiator. As a new rotary wing tips were used in the J 7 instead of conventional ailerons, which are not proven, since thereby the vibration of the wings was too strong. Junkers J 9 therefore returned upon return to normal ailerons.
The DI was built as a all-metal aircraft from duralumin corrugated iron and therefore extremely stable and tolerant to adverse weather conditions. The first flight took place in April 1918 The aircraft was equipped with a 180 hp Mercedes D IIIa engine and participated in the fighter competition in May / June 1918 partly in Berlin -Adlershof.; another with a BMW IIIa engine with 185 hp was presented in competition in October 1918. The DI showed to be extremely fast and ballistic protection. However, it received a mixed response due to the unusual appearance and was recommended by the front airmen Bruno Loerzer and Hermann Göring only for the control of captive balloons and airships, while Gotthard Sachsenbergstraße the DI against other hunters preferred.
Under pressure from the military authorities, the aircraft division of Junkers & Co. was forcibly merged with the Fokker Schwerin Aeroplanbau in the Junkers - Fokker Werke AG ( Jfa ) based Dessau for the production of this type already in October 1917. Anthony Fokker took this influence on the development of the Junkers aircraft. The collaboration lasted only until the spring of 1919, when the Junkers - Fokker works were renamed Junkers Flugzeugwerke AG.
The J 9 were equipped with a 160 hp six-cylinder in-line engine, a Mercedes D IIIaü, reaching 220 km / h. Trials in November 1918 with a BMW IIIa engine with 185 hp will have 240 km / h provided.
Due to the difficult supply situation and the lavish, all-metal construction, a contract was placed for 20 aircraft already in May 1918 already, of which only about 12 units were delivered. The later models were equipped with the Benz Bz IIIaü engine.
At least one DI was testweise equipped with a 195 hp eight- cylinder V- type engine Benz Bz IIIb.
Use
Few of about 15 by Junkers 13 and manufactured by Fokker copies reached in October 1918, the front in Flanders.
Specifications
Aircraft received
The Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace, the only original aircraft is issued. It was left behind during the retreat in November 1918 on an airfield and the advancing French troops fell into their hands.