Albatros C.IV
Albatros Flugzeugwerke · Germany · first flew 1916 · fighter
The Albatros C.IV was a German two-seat general-purpose and reconnaissance biplane of the First World War, built on the successful C-type Albatros airframe with a semi-monocoque wood fuselage. It carried an observer/gunner and was used for artillery spotting and light bombing.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Distinctive rounded wooden semi-monocoque fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- World War I German two-seat reconnaissance biplane
- Single inline engine in nose with car-type radiator
- Distinctive rounded wooden semi-monocoque fuselage
Typical Albatros two-bay biplane layout with a smoothly rounded ply-covered fuselage distinguishing it from fabric-covered contemporaries; the in-line engine with car-style nose radiator is characteristic.
Specifications
- The Albatros C.IV has a length of 8 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.4 m (41 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 140 km/h (87 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the earlier Albatros C.I and C.III, the C.IV entered German service in 1916 and was used on the Western Front for reconnaissance and contact patrol duties. The type's efficient fuselage construction set the template for subsequent Albatros designs including the famous fighter series.
Variants
The C series had numerous variants; the C.IV was a transitional type before the more capable C.VII.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Luftstreitkräfte on the Western and Eastern Fronts during 1916–17.
Related aircraft
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