Albatros J.I
Albatros · Germany · first flew 1917 · transport aircraft
The Albatros J.I was a German two-seat armoured biplane of World War I, designed for low-level infantry contact patrol and trench strafing. It carried 490 kg of armour plating to protect its crew and engine from ground fire.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- WWI German armoured two-seat infantry support aircraft
- Heavily armoured underside for low-altitude trench strafing
- Derived from C-series two-seaters with armour protection
Identified by its large biplane wings, bulky armoured fuselage, and the distinctive heavy appearance caused by its protective plating around the lower fuselage and engine.
Specifications
- The Albatros J.I has a length of 8.8 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.14 m (46 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 140 km/h (87 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Introduced in 1917, the J.I was one of the earliest dedicated ground-attack aircraft, developed in response to the need for close air support on the Western Front. It was heavy and slow due to its armour but reasonably effective in the infantry support role.
Variants
The J.II followed with revised engine and armour arrangements; both served with Schlachtstaffeln (battle squadrons).
Where you'll see it
Operated by the German Air Service's Schlachtstaffeln on the Western Front from 1917 until the Armistice.
Related aircraft
- Albatros C.XII
- Albatros D.IX
- Albatros Dr.I
- Albatros W.5
- Curtiss HS
- Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen FF.49
- Junkers J.I
- Rumpler C.VIII
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