In 1917, AGO Flugzeugwerke constructed two prototype reconnaissance planes inspired by the AGO C.IV.
The initial C.V featured enhanced aerodynamics, a reduced wing scale, and various design modifications.
C-VI
The second version, the C.VI, featured a two-seat wing with an increased scale.
Evaluations indicated that the updated wings did not provide notable benefits, leading to the discontinuation of the project’s advancement.
C-VII
In 1917, AGO Flugzeugwerke introduced a new variant of the AGO S.IV reconnaissance aircraft.
The wing was strengthened with the addition of metal components, enhancing its structural integrity.
However, similar to the previous upgrades seen in AGO C.V and S.V models, these innovations failed to provide any notable advantages over the C.IV version.
Consequently, the series did not progress further in the aircraft industry.
C-VIII
Failures with C.V, C.VI, and C.VII did not deter AGO Flugzeugwerke from pursuing an improved modification of the AGO S.IV reconnaissance aircraft.
In this iteration, the developers opted to replace the Benz Bz.IV engine with a more powerful eight-cylinder Mercedes D.IV engine, boasting 220 hp (162 kW).
The modifications did not stop there, as the aircraft also received new wings and underwent testing in two variants with different rack designs.
The second version, C.VIII/2, managed to showcase the anticipated flight characteristics, outperforming the C.IV.
However, the engine’s unreliability proved to be a setback, undermining the designers’ efforts.
Specifications
Crew
2
Length
8.95 m (29 ft 4 in)
Wingspan
12.80 m (42 ft 0 in)
Height
2.80 m (9 ft 2 in)
Powerplant
1 × Mercedes D.IVa,
6 cyl water-cooled inline piston engine,
190 kW (260 hp)
Armament
Guns
1 x 7.92 mm Parabellum gun
1 x Spandau machine gun.
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.
