AEG B.I

AEG · Germany · first flew 1914 · light aircraft

The AEG B.I was the first aircraft in AEG's B-type reconnaissance biplane series, entering German military service at the outbreak of the First World War. It was a straightforward two-seat biplane used for unarmed visual reconnaissance before air combat requirements led to the development of armed C-types.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Original AEG two-seat unarmed reconnaissance biplane of 1914
• Observer seated ahead of the pilot in the forward fuselage
• AEG B-type lineage: first of the series, no armament

A conventional two-bay equal-span biplane with an inline engine. Smaller wingspan than the B.II and distinguished from other early German types mainly by the AEG-characteristic square-cut wingtips.

Specifications

• The AEG B.I has a length of 10.5 m (34 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 14.5 m (48 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 100 km/h (62 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Put into service in August 1914, the AEG B.I was among the initial reconnaissance aircraft operated by the Imperial German Air Service. Its performance was modest but adequate for the early war period when air opposition was limited. It was rapidly superseded by more capable and armed designs as the air war intensified.

Variants

Followed directly by the AEG B.II with a refined airframe and marginally improved performance.

Where you'll see it

Served with the Imperial German Air Service from August 1914; withdrawn from front-line use in 1915.

Related aircraft

• AEG B.II
• AEG B.III
• AEG C.I
• AEG C.II
• Blackburn Type L
• DFW B.I
• DFW B.II
• Gotha WD 1

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