The Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft decided in 1910 to start an aeroplane department (Abteilung Flugzeugbau) at Berlin-Hennigsdorf. At the beginning they had no knowledge of design and production methods for aircraft, so as other firms they started with analyzing a proven machine. They chose a Wright biplane. After analyzing it they realized the limitations of building aircraft in wood. To gain experience in designing and building metal machines they decided in 1910 to start with a research machine which was the responsibility of chief designer Oberingenieur Paul Stumpf. The design was an open-fuselage all-metal tube construction of large dimensions, with a span of 17.5 m. It was a single-seater, with the pilot placed in the open aft of the wings. In front of the wings a small platform construction held the 75 hp Körting engine, which drove a tractor propeller mounted in the middle of the wings via a chain. The factory identification was Z. 1, with Z for Zweidecker (Biplane).