Prof Junkers's first aircraft is believed to be the first flyable cantilever winged metal monoplane. It was constructed using very thin corrugated steel sheet, 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. No one was willing to pay for aluminum. At this time aluminum was near it's peak price of about $20,000/ton (1998 UD$). Compared to now about $1,500. These prices are after the development of the electrolytic production of aluminum. Before this development, aluminum was even more expensive. In 1852 gold was worth $19/oz and aluminum was $34/oz.
The first flight was on Dec 12, 1915. The aircraft proved that an all metal aircraft could fly. The speed was good, being about 12 mph faster that the best aircraft at the time. This was according to a test flight by Anthony Fokker. However its weight limited its maneuverability and rate of climb. It's empty weight was 2,029 lb.
After the First World War this aircraft was placed on display at the Deutsches Museum in Munich. During December 1944, the J 1 was destroyed by an Allied bombing raid on Munich.
120 hp Mercedes D II
Aeroplane Photo Supply No. 1099
