J.Herris Aviatik Aircraft of WWI (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 10)

Aviatik C.II

   As the air war intensified and better opposing fighters appeared, faster C-types were needed to keep pace. The Aviatik C.II was developed from the earlier C.I in an attempt to provide the improved performance required. Like the C.I, it retained the awkward, observer-in-front seating arrangement and similar configuration and conventional construction. It was one of the first C-types to be powered by the 200 hp Benz Bz.IV, giving it significantly more power than the C.I. In addition to greater power, the C.II had a more streamlined nose than the C.I that included a propeller spinner, and the boxy, underwing radiator of the C.I was replaced with a radiator of airfoil shape mounted in the upper wing. These aerodynamic improvements in the C.II were all based on the C.Ia prototype.
   To further reduce drag, the wing span and area were reduced. A distinctive C.II feature was its vertical tail, which eliminated the fixed fin of the C.I in favor of a larger, strut-braced, horn-balanced rudder. Another distinctive C.II spotting feature was the pilot's headrest, which was unusual for a two-seater.

C.II Production and Service

   In July 1916 an order was placed for 75 Aviatik C.II aircraft with 200 hp Benz Bz.IV engines, serials C.3075/16 to C.3149/16. An Aviatik C.II prototype (C.3685/16) was load tested between 23 September and 2 October 1916. The higher serial number [Militarnummer] for the prototype is explained by the fact, that prototypes - at least in 1916 - were bought or accepted by the authorities later than the series planes. Although later general practice was to order three prototypes for aircraft considered for production - a flying airframe, a static airframe for structural testing, and a spare - as far as is known only one C.II prototype was built. The date of the initial flight is unknown, so it is not known if the production order was placed before or after flight tests.
   The Aviatik C.II appeared at the front in small numbers from late 1916 through mid 1917, a maximum of 62 being at the front at the end of February, 1917. The entries in the Frontbeststand table showing the C.II at the front before late 1916 are either transcription errors or a mix-up with license-builder designations, because the C.II production series was not ordered until July 1916.
   The Aviatik C.II was used on operations primarily, and perhaps solely, on the less demanding Eastern Front. Units known to have flown the C.II include Flieger-Abteilung 47b, Flieger-Abteilung (A) 244, and Flieger-Abteilung (A) 283. In addition, Aviatik C.II aircraft were noted at AFP 10, 12 and 14, all in the East, and later at various school units.


The specifications of the production Aviatik C-types are given in one table for ease of comparison.
Aviatik C-Type Specifications
Aviatik C.I Aviatik C.II Aviatik C.III
Engine: 150 hp Benz Bz.III 160 hp Mercedes D.III 200 hp Benz IV 160 hp Mercedes D.III
Span, Upper: 12.5 m (41.0 ft.) 11.71 m (38.4 ft.) 11.8 m (38.7 ft.)
Span, Lower: 10.75 m (35.3 ft.) 11.71 m (38.4 ft.) 10.2 m (33.5 ft.)
Chord, Upper: 1.88 m (6.17 ft.) 1.70 m (5.58 ft.) 1.70 m (5.58 ft.)
Chord, Lower: 1.88 m (6.17 ft.) 1.70 m (5.58 ft.) 1.70 m (5.58 ft.)
Length: 7.91 m (25.95 ft.) 6.95 m (22.8 ft.) 8.08 m (26.5 ft.)
Track: 1.94m (6.36 ft.) - 1.95 m (6.40 ft.)
Gap: 2.0 m (6.56 ft.) 1.80 m(5.91 ft.) 1.80 m (5.91 ft.)
Wing Area: 43 sq. m. (463 sq. ft.) 37.9 sq. m. (408 sq. ft.) 35.0 sq. m. (377 sq. ft.)
Empty Weight: 745 kg. (1,642 lb.) 916 kg. (2,019 lb.) 895 kg. (1,973 lb.)
Loaded Weight: 1,245 kg. (2,745 lb.) 1,509 kg. (3,327 lb.) 1,220 kg. (2,690 lb.)
Maximum Speed: 120 km/h (74.6 mph) 155 km/h (96.3 mph) 155 km/h (96.3 mph)
Cruise Speed: - - 140 km/h (87 mph)
Climb to 1,000 m: 5 minutes - 6.5 minutes
Climb to 2,000 m: 16 minutes - 16 minutes
Climb to 3,000 m: 33 minutes - 31 minutes
Climb to 4,500 m: - - 55 minutes
Service Ceiling: - - 4,500 m
Duration: 3 hours - Range: 480 km
Armament: 1-2 flexible machine guns 1-2 flexible machine guns 1-2 flexible machine guns
Note: The C.III had 1 degree of dihedral on both upper and lower wings.


Aviatik C.II Production Orders
Date Qty Serial Numbers
Unknown 1 Prototype
July 1916 75 C.3075-3149/16
Total Ordered 76

O.Thetford, P.Gray German Aircraft of the First World War (Putnam)

Aviatik C II
   Used briefly between Aviatik types C I and C III, the C II was generally similar, although the tail surfaces were noticeably different in having no vertical fin surface. The fuselage appearance was enhanced by the inclusion of a headrest aft of the rear cockpit. The observer still occupied the front cockpit, operating his Parabellum machinegun from rails along the cockpit sides. 43 aircraft of this type were ordered and delivered. Serial Nos. identified: 3108/16, 3135/16 and 3142/16. Engine, 200 h.p. Benz Bz IV. Span 11.71 m. (37 ft. 7 in.). Weight loaded 1,509 kg. (3,320 lb.).