AEG C.VIII

The AEG C.VIII was a prototype two-seat reconnaissance aircraft built by the {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (AEG) during the First World War for the Imperial German Army's ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) Imperial German Air Service ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}). Three examples were built in an effort to improve on the unsuccessful C.VII design, two of biplane configuration, the other a triplane (the latter sometimes referred to as the C.VIII.Dr). Neither version offered enough of an improvement over aircraft already in service to make mass production worthwhile.

Development

The C.VII had been developed to the Inspectorate of Flying Troops ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}} ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}})'s requirement for a new type of two-seat aircraft, smaller than the existing C-type aircraft. These were to be used to equip protection flights ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) to escort reconnaissance aircraft.<ref>Gray & Thetford, p. xv</ref> The C.VII had proven inferior to the submissions by {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, but AEG hoped that a more aerodynamic version of the C.VII might be successful. {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} ordered three prototypes in mid-1917 and AEG decided to build one as a triplane to appeal to {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}'s fascination with triplanes at that time.<ref name=h6>Herris, p. 46</ref>

Changes to the C.VIII included new multi-wing spars, tall "ear"-type radiators mounted on the sides of the fuselage, a new tail structure with the horizontal stabilizers supported by two struts and a single interplane I-strut supporting the wings. The first of the biplanes was completed in July 1917. The triplane used the fuselage, engine and tail of the biplanes. An extra I-strut was added to support the extra weight of the wings. Neither design proved superior to the designs from other companies and they did not enter production.<ref name=t7/><ref name=h6/>

Variants

• C.VIII - Biplane prototype two-seater fighter/reconnaissance aircraft.<ref name=t7/>
• C.VIII Dr - Triplane version of C.VIII, no improvement in climb and speed reduced to 165 km/h (103.12 mph)<ref name=t7/>

Bibliography

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