The AGO C.IV, a biplane reconnaissance aircraft used during the First World War, deviated from the manufacturer’s typical pod and boom designs.
Instead, it adopted a more conventional biplane layout, with the only notable feature being its tapered wings.
Despite receiving substantial orders from AGO and two other licenced manufacturers, the actual number of delivered aircraft fell short of 100.
Although the C.IV boasted impressive speed and armament, it suffered from instability in flight, leading to dissatisfaction among aircrew.
The early production models sported a comma-shaped rudder and lacked a fin, whereas later versions incorporated a curved fin and additional struts to reinforce the ailerons and tail.
Specifications
Crew
2
Length
8.25 m (27 ft 1 in)
Wingspan
11.9 m (39 ft 1 in)
Height
3.5 m (11 ft 6 in)
Wing area
37.5 m2 (404 sq ft)
Empty weight
900 kg (1,984 lb)
Gross weight
1,350 kg (2,976 lb)
Powerplant
1 × Benz Bz.IV,
6-cyl water-cooled inline piston engine,
160 kW (220 hp)
Performance
Maximum speed
190 km/h (120 mph, 100 kn)
Endurance
4 hours
Service ceiling
5,500 m (18,000 ft)
Time to altitude
3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 22 minutes
Armament
1 x fixed forward firing MG 08 Spandau machine gun fired by the pilot
1 x Parabellum MG 14 machine gun aimed by the Observer.
Sources
AGO-Flugzeugwerke Oschersleben-U Schmidt.
Otto, AGO, and BFW Aircraft of WWI-Jack Herris.
German Aircraft of the First World War-O Thetford & P Gray.
