The AEG G.I, initially known as the K.I, was a biplane bomber aircraft utilised by Germany during World War I.
With a capacity for three occupants and powered by twin engines, it underwent testing and was deemed suitable for aerial combat in the latter part of 1915.
However, its performance fell short, leading to the subsequent creation of the AEG G.II.
AEG G.II
The AEG G.II, a German biplane bomber aircraft from World War I, was an evolution of the AEG G.I, featuring upgraded engines.
Armed with three 7.92 mm (.312 in) machine guns and carrying 200 kg (440 lb) of bombs, the G.II faced stability issues, leading to the addition of extra vertical tail surfaces on the fin and rudder for better flight control.
This aircraft was flown by Baron von Richthofen as his second assignment before transitioning to a pilot role.
AEG G.III
The AEG G.III, derived from the G.II, was a German biplane bomber aircraft utilised during World War I.
Similar to its predecessor, it was produced in limited quantities and primarily deployed in areas distant from the primary battlefields.
AEG G.IV
The G.IV aircraft was derived from the AEG G.III, with several enhancements in terms of power, bomb-load, and size.
Notably, it had twice the bomb capacity of its predecessor, the AEG G.II.
It was introduced into service in late 1916 and proved to be moderately successful in both reconnaissance and direct combat missions.
Due to its limited range, the G.IV primarily served as a tactical bomber, operating in close proximity to the front lines.
Initially, it conducted operations both day and night in France, Romania, Greece, and Italy.
However, as the conflict progressed, it was increasingly assigned to night missions.
Many of these night operations were considered nuisance raids, aimed at disrupting enemy activity and causing some collateral damage, rather than targeting specific objectives.
Specifications
Crew
4
Length
9.1 m (29 ft 10.26 in)
Wingspan
16.2 m (53 ft 1.79 in)
Height
3.49 m (11 ft 5.40 in)
Wing area
59 m2 (640 sq ft)
Empty weight
1,450 kg (3,196 lb)
Gross weight
2,470 kg (5,445 lb)
Max take-off weight
2,464 kg (5,434 lb)
Powerplant
2 × Benz Bz.III,
6-cylinder water-cooled inline piston engine,
112 kW (150 hp) each
Performance
Maximum speed
140 km/h (87 mph, 76 kn)
Range
700 km (434 mi, 377 nmi)
Service ceiling
3,000 m (9,842 ft)
Rate of climb
1.52 m/s (299 ft/min)
Time to altitude
1,000m (3,281ft) in 11 minutes
Armament
Guns
up to
3 × 7.92 mm (.312 in) machine guns
Bombs
200 kg (440 lb) of bombs.
Sources
AEG Aircraft of WWI-J Herris.
German Aircraft of the First World War-P Gray & O Thetford.
The Complete Book of Fighters-W Green & W Swanborough.
