On This Day

1st all-metal aircraft (Junkers J-1) test flown at Dessau, Germany

The Junkers J 1, nicknamed the Blechesel (Tin Donkey or Sheet Metal Donkey), was an experimental monoplane aircraft developed by Junkers. It was the first all-metal aircraft in the world.

The Junkers J 1, nicknamed the Blechesel (Tin Donkey or Sheet Metal Donkey), was an experimental monoplane aircraft developed by Junkers. It was the first all-metal aircraft in the world. Manufactured early in the First World War, an era in which aircraft designers relied largely on fabric-covered wooden structures braced with wires, the J 1 was a revolutionary development in aircraft design, making extensive use of metal in its structure and in its outer surface.

The J 1 originated from the work of pioneering aeronautical designer Hugo Junkers. The experimental aircraft never received an "A" or "E-series" monoplane designation from IdFlieg, the Army inspectorate of military aircraft and The Imperial German Air Service (Die Fliegertruppen des deutschen Kaiserreiches).

Historical Significance

The Junkers J 1, nicknamed the Blechesel (Tin Donkey or Sheet Metal Donkey), was an experimental monoplane aircraft developed by Junkers.

Events Before

  1. Kornelis "Klaas" ter Laan becomes the Netherlands' first socialist mayor in Zaandam

    Kornelis "Klaas" ter Laan becomes the Netherlands' first socialist mayor in Zaandam

  2. Danish "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen (28), pen name Isak Dinesen marries her 2nd cousin Baron Hans von Blixen-Fine

    Danish "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen (28), pen name Isak Dinesen marries her 2nd cousin Baron Hans von Blixen-Finecke

  3. "The Squaw Man," the first feature-length film shot in Hollywood, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and Oscar Apfel, is relea

    "The Squaw Man," the first feature-length film shot in Hollywood, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and Oscar Apfel, is released in the US

  4. First successful non-direct blood transfusion is performed by Dr. Albert Hustin in Brussels

    First successful non-direct blood transfusion is performed by Dr. Albert Hustin in Brussels

  5. Film serial "The Perils of Pauline" is shown for the first time in Los Angeles, California

    Film serial "The Perils of Pauline" is shown for the first time in Los Angeles, California

Events After

  1. The first blood transfusion using stored and cooled blood is performed during World War I

    The first blood transfusion using stored and cooled blood is performed during World War I

  2. Rodman Wanamaker organises a lunch to discuss forming a golfers association (later the PGA) at the Taplow Club, Martiniq

    Rodman Wanamaker organises a lunch to discuss forming a golfers association (later the PGA) at the Taplow Club, Martinique Hotel, New York City

  3. Battle of Verdun begins with a German offensive, leads to an estimated 1 million casualties, and becomes the longest bat

    Battle of Verdun begins with a German offensive, leads to an estimated 1 million casualties, and becomes the longest battle of the entire war (9 months)

  4. British author of "The Lord of the Rings", J.R.R. Tolkien marries Edith Mary Bratt at St. Mary Immaculate Roman Catholic

    British author of "The Lord of the Rings", J.R.R. Tolkien marries Edith Mary Bratt at St. Mary Immaculate Roman Catholic Church, Warwick

  5. Actress Gloria Swanson (17) weds actor Wallace Beery (30)

    Actress Gloria Swanson (17) weds actor Wallace Beery (30)

More from the 1910s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on December 12, 1915?
The Junkers J 1, nicknamed the Blechesel (Tin Donkey or Sheet Metal Donkey), was an experimental monoplane aircraft developed by Junkers. It was the first all-metal aircraft in the world. Manufactured early in the First World War, an era in which aircraft designers relied largely on fabric-covered wooden structures braced with wires, the J 1 was a revolutionary development in aircraft design, making extensive use of metal in its structure and in its outer surface.
Why is 1st all-metal aircraft (Junkers J-1) test flown at Dessau, Germany significant?
The Junkers J 1, nicknamed the Blechesel (Tin Donkey or Sheet Metal Donkey), was an experimental monoplane aircraft developed by Junkers.

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