Aviatik C.I
Aviatik · German Empire · first flew 1915 · fighter
The Aviatik C.I was a German two-seat reconnaissance and artillery observation biplane of the First World War, notable for placing the observer in the front cockpit ahead of the pilot — a layout that proved less than ideal for defensive gunnery and was quickly superseded.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.92 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI two-seat German reconnaissance biplane with the observer in the front cockpit
- Unusual crew arrangement: observer/gunner seated ahead of pilot
- Equal-span biplane with a prominent inline engine
A fairly conventional-looking WWI two-seat biplane, but the giveaway is the observer cockpit positioned ahead of the engine and pilot — the reverse of the more common arrangement seen on DFW and LVG types.
Specifications
- The Aviatik C.I has a length of 7.92 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.5 m (41 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 142 km/h (88 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (observer/gunner forward, pilot aft).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Entering service in 1915, the C.I was used primarily for reconnaissance over the Western and Eastern Fronts. The unusual crew arrangement with the observer forward gave the gunner a wide forward arc but a poor rearward field of fire, making it vulnerable to attack from behind. It was replaced by more conventional arrangements with the gunner aft before the war ended.
Variants
The Aviatik C.II and subsequent marks revised the crew arrangement and improved performance; the C.I remained in service through 1916 before being withdrawn.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Deutsche Luftstreitkräfte on the Western and Eastern Fronts during 1915–16; not exported in significant numbers.
Related aircraft
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