DFW C.I
Deutsche Flugzeug-Werke (DFW) · Germany · first flew 1915 · fighter
The DFW C.I was an early German two-seat tractor biplane of the First World War, used for observation and reconnaissance. It was a development of the pre-war DFW B-type unarmed biplanes, fitted with a rear-cockpit machine gun.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.04 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Early WWI German two-seat reconnaissance biplane
- Tractor configuration with observer in the rear cockpit armed with a ring-mounted gun
- DFW's early war C-type armed two-seater for artillery spotting
Difficult to distinguish from other early German C-type biplanes of 1915. The DFW C.I had a relatively angular fuselage, equal-span wings, and a conventional equal-chord tail. Observer in the rear with ring-mounted gun.
Specifications
- The DFW C.I has a length of 8.04 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14 m (46 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
Entering service in 1915, the DFW C.I was part of the first generation of German armed reconnaissance types. It served alongside other C-types from Albatros, LVG, and Rumpler on the Eastern and Western Fronts. The type was soon superseded by more capable designs but contributed to early German aerial reconnaissance doctrine.
Variants
Preceded the DFW C.II and C.IV which were more refined. The C.I itself had minor subvariants with different engine installations.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the German Luftstreitkräfte on both the Eastern and Western Fronts from 1915 into 1916.
Related aircraft
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