AEG C.VIII

AEG · German Empire · first flew 1917 · fighter

The AEG C.VIII was the penultimate member of AEG's WWI C-series two-seat reconnaissance biplanes, featuring a shorter and lighter fuselage than most of its predecessors. It appeared in 1917 when German reconnaissance aircraft were under increasing pressure from improving Allied fighters.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Late-WWI AEG two-seat reconnaissance biplane
• Shortest fuselage in the AEG C-series at 6.2 m
• 170 km/h performance in 1917

The shortest AEG C-series fuselage (6.2 m) combined with a broad wing gives the C.VIII a noticeably stubby appearance compared to earlier marks.

Specifications

• The AEG C.VIII has a length of 6.2 m (20 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 13 m (43 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 170 km/h (106 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

AEG refined its C-series through successive marks during the war, and the C.VIII represented a late attempt to improve speed and handling through structural refinement. It served in small numbers on the Western Front.

Variants

Last in the C.I through C.VIII progression; the C.VIII was the final AEG C-type.

Where you'll see it

Used by the German Imperial Air Service from 1917 in reconnaissance roles.

Related aircraft

• AEG C.VII
• AEG D.I
• AEG J.I
• AEG C.IV
• Albatros C.X
• Albatros C.XII
• Albatros D.IX
• Albatros D.VII

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