O.Thetford, P.Gray German Aircraft of the First World War (Putnam)

Friedrichshafen N I
   Built during 1917, this aircraft came into the new "N" classification for single-engined two-seaters for night bombing duties. It appeared a singularly large and cumbersome aircraft for a single-engined machine. The wings were drastically swept, which resulted in a staggering length of nose for the pilot to see over, and must have been near impossible for landing at night - when the type was intended to operate. Engine, 260 h.p. Mercedes D IVa.

J.Herris Nachtflugzeug! German N-types of WWI (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 3)

Friedrichshafen N.I
  
   Friedrichshafen specialized in floatplanes and bombers, so seemed well-positioned to develop a suitable N-type. However, powered by a 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa, it appears overly large and cumbersome with its long swept wings and very
long nose that would have obscured the pilot's vision during night landings, hardly desirable for its intended night bomber role. In addition, its engine was in demand for other operational types already in production, and it remained a prototype.

J.Herris Friedrichshafen Aircraft of WWI (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 21)

Friedrichshafen N.I

   Friedrichshafen specialized in floatplanes and bombers, so seemed well-positioned to develop a suitable N-type, a single-engine night bomber. However, powered by a 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa, the Friedrichshafen N.I appears overly large and cumbersome with its long swept wings and very long nose that would have obscured the pilot's vision during night landings, hardly desirable for its intended night bomber role. In addition, its engine was in demand for other operational types already in production, and it remained a prototype. The AEG N.I selected for production was derived from an aircraft already in production and service and used a smaller engine that was more readily available.

Friedrichshafen N.I Specifications
Engine: 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa