| AEG C.IV | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Reconnaissance aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft |
| Primary users | Luftstreitkräfte |
| Number built | 687 (Leon) |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 1916 |
The AEG C.IV was a two-seat biplane reconnaissance aircraft designed and produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft.
The C.IV was developed from the earlier AEG C.II in response to an urgent requirement from the Luftstreitkräfte (Imperial German Army Air Service) for better fixed-wing aerial reconnaissance platforms. Featuring a relatively short fuselage in comparison to its wingspan, it appeared somewhat ungainly. The aircraft's structure was largely composed of steel tubing; uncommon features of the design included a distinctive 'bite' on the trailing edge of the wing on production aircraft, and the three-position adjustable tail plane incidence. To accelerate production, the Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker were ordered to produce the C.IV under license.
Entering service with the Luftstreitkräfte during 1916, the C.IV promptly proved itself to be a capable aircraft. In addition to performing reconnaissance missions, it was also used as a bomber escort, despite being inadequately powered for this role. Several variants, including the C.IV.N and the C.IVa, were developed. It continued to be operated by the Luftstreitkräfte through to the end of the conflict. In addition to its use by the German Empire, the C.IV also drew the attention of other nations, both the Turkish Flying Corps and Polish Air Force would operate numerous aircraft while other nations, such as Belgium, evaluated the type. It saw extensive combat use during the Polish-Soviet War of 1919-1920 prior to being withdrawn for good during the early 1920s.