The AEG C.IV, a two-seat biplane reconnaissance aircraft, was utilized by the German military in 1916.
This aircraft was an improvement on the AEG C.II, featuring a larger wingspan and an additional forward-firing Spandau-type 7.92 mm machine gun.
Despite being primarily used for reconnaissance, the C.IV was also employed as a bomber escort, although it was not powerful enough for this role.
Despite its inadequacies as a bomber escort, the C.IV was the most successful of AEG’s B- and C-type reconnaissance aircraft during World War I.
A total of 687 C.IV aircraft were constructed, and the model remained in service until the end of the war.
The C.IV’s success can be attributed to its improved design and capabilities compared to its predecessors.
In 1917, a variant of the C.IV was developed specifically as a prototype night bomber.
This variant, known as the C.IV.N, featured a lengthened wingspan and the Benz Bz.III engine used in other C-type aircraft.
Despite its specialized design, the C.IV.N did not see widespread use and remained a prototype.
Overall, the AEG C.IV was a significant aircraft in the German military’s arsenal during World War I, serving primarily as a reconnaissance aircraft but also fulfilling other roles.
The C.IVa, which differed from other variants, utilized the Argus As III engine with a power output of 130 kW.
This particular aircraft model, known as the C.IV, was employed by both the Bulgarian Air Force and the Turkish Flying Corps.
During the Greater Poland Uprising in 1919, the Polish forces managed to capture a total of 91 C.IV aircraft, with the majority of them seized in Poznań.
Subsequently, these aircraft were meticulously assembled and promptly integrated into active service.
The C.IV aircraft swiftly became a fundamental component of the Polish Air Force, fulfilling various roles such as reconnaissance, bombing, and strafing during the Polish-Soviet War that took place between 1919 and 1920.
However, the majority of these aircraft were eventually phased out and withdrawn from service by 1921.
1 × 7.92 mm (.312 in) Parabellum MG14 machine gun in ring mount for observer
Bombs
Bomb load up to 100 kg (220 lb).
Sources AEG Aircraft of WWI: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes-Jack Herris. German Aircraft of the First World War-Owen Thetford. Biplanes, Triplanes & Seaplanes-Michael Sharpe.
