The Albatros C.X, a German military reconnaissance aircraft used in World War I, was an upgraded model of the Albatros C.VII, tailored to fit the new Mercedes D.IVa engine introduced in 1917.
Differing from the C.VII, the C.X featured a top wing spar mounted radiator, a concept first experimented with on the C.V/17.
Noteworthy enhancements included the integration of oxygen supply for the crew and radio equipment.
The C.X’s fuselage, similar to Albatros’ previous C series planes, was constructed with plywood and had a slab-sided design.
However, it stood out due to its increased width, length, and depth compared to its predecessors.
This larger size allowed for the incorporation of new amenities and equipment, including an oxygen breathing apparatus in the pilot’s forward cockpit.
The observer’s rear cockpit was equipped with a comprehensive radio set.
The tail surfaces and undercarriage, made primarily of plywood and steel tubing, remained largely unchanged from the C.V. without any significant modifications.
The wings underwent significant revisions, with a larger span and area compared to previous models.
The angular raked wingtips were replaced with a more aerodynamic profile, and ailerons near all four wingtips provided sensitive lateral control.
The upper wing featured a radiator for engine cooling, with an adjustable shutter rate controlled by the pilot.
This new wing design, combined with a powerful engine, aimed to achieve maximum altitude.
In 1917, the C.X was introduced into active duty with the Luftstreitkräfte.
Its main functions were aerial reconnaissance and artillery spotting.
It is estimated that around 300 aircraft were operational by October 1917.
To fulfil the pressing needs of the Central Powers during the war, four additional manufacturers, alongside Albatros, were contracted to produce the C.X.
1 × 7.92 mm (.312 in) Parabellum MG14 machine gun for observer.
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. The World’s Great Bombers: 1914 to the Present Day-C Chant. Windsock Worldwide Vol.25, No.5 – September October 2009. Albatros Aircraft of WWI Vol.1: Early Two-Seaters-Jack Herris. Albatros Aircraft of WWI Vol.2: Late Two-Seaters-Jack Herris. Albatros Aircraft of WWI Vol.3: Bombers, Seaplanes J Types-Jack Herris. Albatros Aircraft of WWI Vol.4: Fighters-Jack Herris.
