Junkers D-1(J-9)

The Junkers J9 was a development version of the previously intended fighter J7, constructed on Hugo Junkers' own initiative, and produced in a single prototype in 1917. J7 was the first all-metal cantilever fighter monoplane in the world. In March 1918, 3 test aircraft were ordered under the designation J9. A month later, in April 1918, the first prototype was completed and in May, handed over to the Inspektion der Fliegertruppen (Idflieg) for testing. The aircraft was equipped with a 160 horsepower (119 kW) Mercedes DIII engine and armed with 2 synchronized machine guns placed in front of the cockpit (missing on the exhibited original). During the tests, it demonstrated good performance, but failed in manoeuvrability. Therefore, specialist role of balloon attack or use in naval aviation was considered. 47 (40?) units were produced, officially designated Junkers D.I. Combat use in World War I is not confirmed. Cantilevered low-wing fighters found their role only after another twenty years. After the war, this type was used by Geschwader Sachsenburg for suppressing the Red forces in the Baltic countries. The only surviving example was assigned to the naval aviation in occupied Flanders. After the war, it was examined by the British, assigned to the Belgian Air Force and finally in 1921, sent to France for testing at the Section technique de l´Aeronautique (STA) in Paris. It was restored in the 1970s and since 1974 has been exhibited at Le Bourget.