AEG G.IV
AEG · Germany · first flew 1916 · bomber
The AEG G.IV was the most widely used variant of AEG's Grosskampfflugzeug (large battle aircraft) series, a twin-engine biplane bomber that formed the backbone of German strategic bombing raids against England and the Western Front from 1916. It was a development of the earlier G.II and G.III.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.7 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI German twin-engine biplane bomber with engines in wing nacelles
- Equal-span biplane with tractor engines between the wing panels
- Glazed nose gunner position and open midships gun positions
A compact, equal-span biplane with two engines mounted in nacelles between the wings. Shorter and smaller than the Gotha G.V, with a more workmanlike appearance and glazed nose section.
Specifications
- The AEG G.IV has a length of 9.7 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.4 m (60 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 165 km/h (103 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Entering service in late 1916, the AEG G.IV flew with Kampfgeschwader units on raids against England and Allied targets on the Western and Eastern Fronts. It was more reliable than the larger Gotha bombers and remained in service until the Armistice, with around 400 built.
Variants
The G.IV was preceded by the G.II and G.III and succeeded by the enlarged G.V; the G.IVb was a variant with modified engine installation.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Imperial German Air Service from 1916 to 1918; no post-war operational use.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.