Among the first tasks of newly created in 1928 PZL aircraft works was to design a modern fighter for the Polish Air Force.

In the first flight, the wing leading edge distorted, but Orliński saved the aircraft and possibly the program.

The P.1 remained a prototype, because it was decided that a fighter for the Polish Air Force would be powered with a radial engine produced in Poland.

This decision has since been criticized by some modern authors, as single row radial engines produce more drag, without advantage of more power, and reduced visibility from the cockpit.

Two-spar wing of trapezoid shape, thinner by the fuselage, covered with a rimmed Wibault type duralumin sheet, supported with two struts on either side.