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AEG C.I / C.II / C.III

AEG C.1

From March 1915, the AEG C.I emerged as a biplane reconnaissance aircraft with a seating capacity for two individuals.

Although its production was limited, it served a crucial role in aerial surveillance.

Essentially, the AEG C.I was an enhanced version of the AEG B.II, featuring an upgraded engine and an armament configuration.

Positioned at the rear of the cockpit, the observer was equipped with a single 7.92 mm (.312 in) Parabellum or Bergmann machine gun, providing defensive capabilities.

One notable improvement in the AEG C.I was the installation of a more powerful Benz engine, which significantly enhanced its performance.

With this upgrade, the aircraft achieved a commendable maximum speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).

This increase in speed allowed for greater manoeuvrability and improved efficiency during reconnaissance missions.

As a result, the AEG C.I became a valuable asset in the skies, providing reliable and swift aerial surveillance capabilities.

However, as technology progressed, the AEG C.I began to be replaced by the AEG C.II by October 1915.

The introduction of the AEG C.II marked a further advancement in reconnaissance aircraft design, rendering the AEG C.I gradually obsolete.

Despite its limited production numbers, the AEG C.I played a significant role in the early stages of aerial warfare, showcasing the continuous evolution and innovation in aircraft development during World War I.

AEG C.II

From October 1915, the AEG C.II, a two-seat biplane reconnaissance aircraft, was manufactured in limited quantities by Germany.

This aircraft was an improved version of the C.I, with enhanced performance, a redesigned cockpit for the pilot and observer/bombardier, and a new rear mounting for a 7.92 mm (.312 in) Parabellum MG14 machine gun.

Additionally, it had the capability to carry four 10 kg (22 lb) bombs for light attack missions.

The AEG C.II, a German biplane reconnaissance aircraft, was produced in small numbers starting in October 1915.

This aircraft was a modified version of the C.I, with a more compact design and improved performance.

The cockpit was redesigned to accommodate both the pilot and observer/bombardier, and a new rear mounting was added for a 7.92 mm (.312 in) Parabellum MG14 machine gun.

Furthermore, it was capable of carrying four 10 kg (22 lb) bombs for light attack operations.

Germany began producing the AEG C.II, a two-seat biplane reconnaissance aircraft, in limited quantities in October 1915.

This aircraft was an upgraded version of the C.I, with better performance, a redesigned cockpit for the pilot and observer/bombardier, and a new rear mounting for a 7.92 mm (.312 in) Parabellum MG14 machine gun.

Additionally, it had the ability to carry four 10 kg (22 lb) bombs for light attack missions.

AEG C.III

The AEG C.III, an aircraft developed during World War I, was a biplane reconnaissance plane that consisted of a single prototype.

What set this aircraft apart was its unique fuselage design, which filled the gap between the upper and lower sets of wings.

This design aimed to enhance the pilot’s visibility and provide the observer with a wider field of fire for their 7.92 mm (.312 in) machine gun.

The pilot occupied the rear seat, while the observer was positioned over the upper wing.

However, despite initial expectations, this design did not achieve the desired level of success, and as a result, the C.III never saw active service.

Interestingly, despite being heavier than its predecessor, the C.II, the C.III managed to achieve a higher maximum speed of 158 km/h (98 mph).

In World War I, the AEG C.III emerged as a distinctive two-seat biplane reconnaissance aircraft.

Its construction was limited to a single prototype.

Notably, the aircraft boasted an unconventional fuselage design that filled the gap between the upper and lower wings.

This innovative approach aimed to enhance the pilot’s visibility and provide the observer with an expanded field of fire for their 7.92 mm (.312 in) machine gun.

The pilot’s position was situated at the rear, while the observer occupied the space over the upper wing.

However, despite initial optimism, the C.III failed to meet the anticipated level of success, ultimately preventing its deployment in active service.

Surprisingly, despite its increased weight compared to the C.II, the C.III managed to achieve a higher maximum speed of 158 km/h (98 mph).

During World War I, the AEG C.III was introduced as a two-seat biplane reconnaissance aircraft.

However, only a single prototype of this aircraft was ever constructed.

What made the C.III stand out was its unconventional fuselage design, which completely filled the gap between the upper and lower wings.

This design choice aimed to improve the pilot’s visibility and provide the observer with a wider field of fire for their 7.92 mm (.312 in) machine gun.

The pilot occupied the rear seat, while the observer was positioned over the upper wing.

Despite initial expectations, the C.III did not achieve the desired level of success and was never put into active service.

Interestingly, despite being heavier than its predecessor, the C.II, the C.III managed to achieve a higher maximum speed of 158 km/h (98 mph).

Specifications

C.III

Crew

2

Length

6.5 m (21 ft 4 in)

Wingspan

12 m (39 ft 4 in)

Wing area

36 m2 (390 sq ft)

Empty weight

687 kg (1,515 lb)

Gross weight

1,237 kg (2,727 lb)

Powerplant

1 × Benz Bz.III, 6 cylinder, water cooled, inline piston engine,

112 kW (150 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed

158 km/h (98 mph, 85 kn)

Armament

Guns

1 × 7.92 mm (.312 in) Parabellum MG14

Or

Bergmann MG 15nA machine gun with 550 rounds

Bombs

4 × 10 kg (20 lb) bombs.

 

 

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