AEG C.IV

The AEG C.IV was a German two-seat biplane reconnaissance aircraft that entered service in 1916.

The C.IV was based on the AEG C.II, but featured a larger wingspan and an additional forward-firing Spandau-type 7.92 mm machine gun.

In addition to reconnaissance duties, the C.IV was used as a bomber escort, despite proving itself inadequately powered for the role.

Nevertheless, the C.IV was easily the most successful of AEG’s World War I B- and C-type reconnaissance aircraft, with some 687 being built and the model remained in service right up to the end of the war.

A variant, the C.IV.N was designed specifically as a prototype night bomber in 1917, with the Benz Bz.III engine used in other C-types and a lengthened wingspan.

Another variant, the C.IVa, was powered by a 130 kW Argus As III engine.

C.IV aircraft saw service with the Bulgarian Air Force and the Turkish Flying Corps.

91 C.IVs were captured by the Polish in 1919, most in Poznań during Greater Poland Uprising.

Most of them were next assembled and entered service.

It became one of basic aircraft of the Polish Air Force, used for reconnaissance, bombing and strafing during Polish-Soviet War in 1919-1920.

Most were withdrawn in 1921.

Specifications

Crew

2

Length

7.15 m (23 ft 5 in)

Wingspan

13.46 m (44 ft 2 in)

Height

3.35 m (11 ft 0 in)

Wing area

39 m2 (420 sq ft)

Empty weight

800 kg (1,764 lb)

Gross weight

1,120 kg (2,469 lb)

Powerplant

1 × Mercedes D.III,

6 cylinder, water cooled, inline piston engine,

120 kW (160 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed

158 km/h (98 mph, 85 kn)

Range

450 km (280 mi, 240 nmi)

Endurance

4hr

Service ceiling

5,000 m (16,000 ft)

Rate of climb

2.78 m/s (547 ft/min)

Time to altitude

1,000m in 6min

Armament

Guns

1 × forward-firing 7.92 mm (.312 in) LMG 08/15 “Spandau” machine gun

1 × 7.92 mm (.312 in) Parabellum MG14 machine gun in ring mount for observer

Bombs

Bomb load up to 100 kg (220 lb).

 

Share on facebook