P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One (Flying Machines)

Aviatik 30.25

  The development of the 360 hp six-cylinder and 300/350 hp Daimler V-12 engines had reached a stage in mid-1916 that enabled the Flars design department to begin work on a high-performance aircraft using these engines. In September 1916, Aviatik was given the task of building two "Mises-Saliger" prototypes at Esslingen under the direction of Leutnant Saliger. However, on 14 November 1916 the LFT stopped the work and directed Aviatik to concentrate on the C.I and D.I production. The Mises-Saliger project (no Aviatik prototype number had been assigned) was transferred to Lohner on 11 December 1916, where the program continued under the designation Lohner 10.21 and 10.22. Concurrently, Berg had designed a competing biplane powered by a 360 hp Daimler six-cylinder engine. The project study, dated 6 December 1916 and officially numbered 30.25, was evaluated by Flars who declined to support Berg's proposal and the project was dropped.
  Frontline experience had shown that fast, camera-equipped, single-seat fighters could return unharmed with acceptable reconnaissance photographs and, if necessary, engage or evade Allied interceptors. In mid-1917, specifically to meet the photo-fighter requirement, Aviatik modified a C.I airframe (reported as ex-37.41) to carry two synchronized machine guns and a 30cm focal-length camera in lieu of the observer. A parachute was provided for the pilot. The aircraft, designated 30.25 and powered by a 185 hp Daimler engine, was flight tested in September 1917 by Flars test pilot Hauptmann Oskar Fekete, who felt the conversion of extant Aviatik C.I aircraft was easier and less costly than placing a new type into production. The 30.25 was assigned to Flek 6 in Wiener-Neustadt as a single-seat trainer. On 29 November 1917, during a practice flight, the prototype suddenly stood on its nose and trailing a white smoke plume, crashed into the ground and was demolished.

Aviatik 30.25 Specifications
Engine: 185 hp Daimler
Maximum Speed: 186 km/hr (116 mph)
Climb: 1000m (3,281 ft) in 3 min 20 sec
5000m (16,405 ft) in 30 min 30 sec

E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

30. Flugzeuge der Österreichischen Aviatik-Werke Wien, Stadlau
30.25 Berg C.I (Umbau Photoeinsitzer) Dm 200