Knotek: First All Metal Plane Flew

Description

The world's first all metal plane, the Junker J-1, is considered a triumph, even though it was a failure. The J-1 was created by the German aeronautical designer, Dr. Hugo Junkers, as part of a massive aviation development project in Germany during the early days of World War I. After a successful test hop on December12, 1915, the J-1 was taken to military testing grounds for evaluation and review. The J-1 was an exceptionally clean and well-proportioned mid-wing monoplane that incorporated an unprecedented number of advanced features, especially the wing, in its design. Instead of being strengthened with strut wires, the wing wascantilevered and internally braced, allowing the airplane to cruise at top speeds unimpeded by unnecessary drag or air resistance. Despite these fantastic patented innovations, the plane was not loved by its pilots, mechanics or spectators. The welded design presented many problems never before encountered and its sluggish climb and poor forward and downward visibility earned it the nickname "TinDonkey." What the J-1's critics failed to realize was that the plane was only experimental, meant to be used for in-flight experimentation, so information could be gathered to build a better flying machine. Because of its handicaps, the brilliance of Dr. Junkers' innovations was not recognized and the plane was not accepted for mass production and use by the German Air Force. It was not until 1918, after Junkers that the true genius of this gifted inventor was recognized.