Designed in 1919, it was powered by a pair of modified Liberty engines driving pusher propellers.

Soon after the end of World War I, the US Army sought to explore highly armored and armed specialist ground-attack aircraft.

The Army Air Service Engineering Division issued requests for proposals to U.S. aircraft producers on 15 October 1919.

The sturdy structure was able to carry a heavy load of ammunition along with about 2,200 lb (998 kg) of armor plate.

The result was an angular machine of wire-braced wooden construction with plywood and fabric covering.

[5] It was rumored that the GA-1s survived until surveyed on 14 January 1926, so that Kelly Field pilots could be threatened with being forced to fly them for disciplinary infractions.

[1] Data from "The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft"[6]General characteristics Performance Armament