Imperial German Navy seaplane Number 945 was the sole example of a unique seaplane design produced during the First World War.[1] [2] [3] [4] Throughout the war, the Kaiserliche Werft Wilhelmshaven had been producing small numbers of training seaplanes for the German Navy, but as the conflict continued, they built a small number of armed types as well, including Number 945.[1] While the general layout of this aircraft was conventional enough for its day, it included a number of unusual features. The single-bay wings were braced with single, large I-struts, and the vertical stabiliser was virtually non-existent, consisting of little more than a stub on the dorsal side of the rear fuselage.[2] The rudder was hinged to the end of the fuselage and hung down below it.[2] The Navy classified it as a C3MG type; indicating armament with both fixed and trainable machine guns.[5]
Number 945 was ordered in 1917, and a photograph of the completed aircraft exists, bearing its military markings and serial number.[2] However, there is no record of this aircraft ever being delivered to the Navy.[1]