In 1914 Ernest Heinkel designed the Albatros BII for the German Albatros Werke company. The plane soon set an altitude record of 14,764 feet (4,500 m) and was employed as a reconnaissance craft during the early stages of the First World War.

The company then employed Robert Thelen to produce the Albatros D-I. It was the first German fighter to have two synchronized fixed machine-guns without damaging its flying ability. The Albatros D-I went into action in the autumn of 1915. It was soon joined by an improved version, the Albatros D-II. At the time it was the best performing aircraft on the Western Front and gave the Central Powers a distinct advantage over the Allies.