Ministry of Munition Aircraft Productio

Report on the A.E.G. Armoured Aeroplane: July 1918Reports on German Aircraft 4 Ministry of Munition Aircraft Productio

Publisher Marketing: In 1916 Germany introduced the J-class of close support or ground-combat engagement aircraft. After the first units performed well in the battle of Verdun, the development of ground support aircraft received the highest priority. AEG designed the J. I to meet the need for armoured aircraft to directly engage entrenched infantry units with concentrated machine gun fire and bombardment. The AEG J. I was a biplane ground attack aircraft of 1917, an armoured and more powerful version of the AEG C. IV reconnaissance aircraft. AEG J. I featured armour protection for the pilot and for the more powerful engine that was fitted to the heavier aircraft. Two forward firing 0.312 in (7.92 mm) LMG 08/15 machine guns were fitted to the floor of the observer's cockpit pointing downward at a 45 angle for engaging ground targets. One 0.312 in (7.92 mm) Parabellum MG14 machine gun was provided in the typical rear-facing defensive position.