The Albatros C.V, a reconnaissance aircraft used by the German military during World War I, underwent significant modifications compared to its predecessors, the B- and C-type aircraft, after Ernst Heinkel’s departure from Albatros Flugzeugwerke to join Hansa-Brandenburg.
While maintaining the same fundamental design as the Heinkel-designed aircraft, the C.V boasted enhanced aerodynamics.
The forward fuselage was covered in sheet metal, and a sleek, rounded spinner concealed the propeller boss.
Power was supplied by the advanced Mercedes D.IV engine, an eight-cylinder engine with gears.
Initially, the production version known as C.V/16 faced challenges such as heavy control forces and insufficient engine cooling.
In response, Albatros introduced the C.V/17, which featured a new lower wing, as well as balanced ailerons and elevators.
The fuselage-mounted radiators were replaced by a single flush radiator in the upper wing.
These modifications not only improved the aircraft’s handling characteristics but also addressed the engine cooling issues.
However, the Achilles’ heel of the C.V was the unreliable Mercedes D.IV engine, plagued by recurring crankshaft failures.
Consequently, the Albatros C.VII eventually replaced the C.V in production.
Specifications
Crew
Two
Length
8.95 m (29 ft 4 in)
Wingspan
12.78 m (41 ft 11 in)
Height
4.5 m (14 ft 9 in)
Wing area
43.4 m2 (467 sq ft)
Empty weight
1,069 kg (2,357 lb)
Gross weight
1,585 kg (3,494 lb)
Powerplant
1 × Mercedes D.IV,
164 kW (220 hp)
Performance
Maximum speed
170 km/h (110 mph, 96 kn)
Range
450 km (280 mi, 240 nmi)
Service ceiling.
3,000 m (9,840 ft)
Rate of climb
2.1 m/s (410 ft/min)
Armament
Guns
1 × 7.92 mm (.312 in) Parabellum MG14
Or
Spandau LMG 08/15 machine gun for observer
Bombs
180 kg (400 lb) of bombs.
Sources German & Austro-Hungarian aircraft manufacturers 1908–1918-T C Treadwell. German Aircraft of the First World War-Peter Gray & Owen Thetford. Flugzeug Publications, Die Deutsche Luftwaffe 1914 – Heute.
