AEG G.I
AEG · Germany · first flew 1915 · bomber
The AEG G.I was a German three-seat twin-engine biplane bomber of 1915, one of the first purpose-designed strategic bombers to enter German service, featuring engines mounted in nacelles on struts between the wing bays. It was quickly superseded by the improved G.II but established the AEG G-type formula.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Three-crew twin-engine biplane with steel-tube fuselage structure |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin inline engines on external nacelle struts between biplane wing bays
- Armoured nose with forward gunner position above the engine cowling line
- Three-crew twin-engine biplane with steel-tube fuselage structure
A compact twin-engine biplane with Mercedes D.I inline engines mounted in external nacelles on interplane struts. The armoured nose section and forward gunner ring are prominent; the equal-span two-bay wings and conventional biplane tail complete the profile.
Specifications
- The AEG G.I has a length of 8.65 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16 m (52 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 125 km/h (78 mph).
- Typical crew: 3 (pilot, observer/gunner, rear gunner).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG) developed the G.I from earlier armed reconnaissance biplane designs. Small numbers entered service with the German Kagohl bombing units in 1915 but the type's limited range and payload were soon apparent, leading to the G.II with more powerful Mercedes D.III engines. The G-type line culminated in the G.IV which conducted raids over England.
Variants
The G.I led directly to the G.II, G.III, and G.IV; the G.I itself was produced in very small numbers only.
Where you'll see it
Limited service with German Kagohl units on the Western and Eastern Fronts in 1915; rapidly withdrawn in favour of the improved G.II.
Related aircraft
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