The AEG C.IV was a two-seater biplane reconnaissance aircraft that was designed and manufactured by the German company Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft.
The development of the C.IV stemmed from the AEG C.II, as a response to a pressing need from the Luftstreitkräfte (Imperial German Army Air Service) for improved fixed-wing reconnaissance aircraft.
Despite its somewhat awkward appearance due to a short fuselage in relation to its wingspan, the aircraft boasted a structure primarily made of steel tubing.
Unique design elements included a distinctive ‘bite’ on the wing’s trailing edge and a three-position adjustable tail plane incidence.
In order to expedite production, Fokker, a Dutch aircraft manufacturer, was tasked with producing the C.IV under licence.
The C.IV entered service with the Luftstreitkräfte in 1916 and quickly demonstrated its effectiveness as an aircraft.
Despite being underpowered for the role, it was utilised for reconnaissance missions and as a bomber escort. Various versions, such as the C.IV.N and C.IVa, were created.
The aircraft remained in operation with the Luftstreitkräfte until the end of World War I.
Beyond Germany, the C.IV caught the interest of other countries, with the Turkish Flying Corps and Polish Air Force acquiring multiple units.
Additionally, nations like Belgium assessed the aircraft.
It played a significant role in the Polish-Soviet War of 1919–1920 before being retired in the early 1920s.
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.
