Albatros C.XII

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Albatros C.XII

Страна: Германия

Год: 1917

Фронтовой самолет

Варианты

Albatros - C.VIIIN - 1917 - Германия
Albatros - C.XII - 1917 - Германия

В.Кондратьев Самолеты первой мировой войны

АЛЬБАТРОС C-XII / ALBATROS C-XII

   Вершиной развития двухместных "Альбатросов" в годы Первой мировой войны стал C-XII. Созданный в середине 1917-го, этот красивый, элегантный аэроплан обладал великолепными летными данными. Благодаря высокой энерговооруженности и отличной аэродинамике C-XII развивал скорость, недоступную даже для большинства одноместных истребителей того периода.
   Фюзеляж - клеенный монокок овального сечения и радиатор, вписанный в контур верхнего крыла, создавали минимальное лобовое сопротивление.
   Правда, за малый вес и аэродинамическое совершенство пришлось заплатить отсутствием какой-либо бомбовой нагрузки. Максимум, что мог нести "Альбатрос, помимо экипажа и разведывательного оборудования - это несколько мелких бомб в кабине летнаба, которые сбрасывались вручную. C-XII строили те же авиазаводы, что и C-X, за исключением фирмы Роланд.

ДВИГАТЕЛЬ

   "Мерседес", 260 л.с.


ВООРУЖЕНИЕ

   1 синхронный "Шпандау", 1 турельный "Парабеллум".


ЛЕТНО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ
(C-XII)

   Размах, м 14,12
   Длина, м 8,84
   Сухой вес, кг 580
   Взлетный вес, кг 1061
   Скорость максимальная, км/ч 210
   Время набора высоты, м/мин 2000/8
   Потолок, м 5640

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А.Александров, Г.Петров Крылатые пленники России

В середине 1917 г. компания выпустила улучшенный вариант "десятки" - модель, названную "Альбатрос Ц. XII". Ее фюзеляж принял удобообтекаемое овальное сечение, стабилизатор и руль глубины также образовывали овал в плане сверху, киль увеличился за счет дополнительной поверхности, устроенной между корпусом и хвостовым костылем, выхлопной патрубок прежнего 260-сильного "Мерседеса" направлялся вдоль правой стороны фюзеляжа. Общие размеры слегка уменьшились. Вероятно, из всех двухместных "Альбатросов" "двенадцатый" оказался самым элегантным по форме, хотя его аэродинамическая "опрятность" не привела к значительному улучшению характеристик, так как оптимальное соотношение между подъемной силой несущих поверхностей и производимым ими воздушным сопротивлением не было найдено. В том, что аэроплан, строившийся четырьмя германскими компаниями и остававшийся в строю до самого конца войны, действительно производил хорошее впечатление, нетрудно убедиться, взглянув на машину, собранную в нижегородском 4-м авиапарке и служившую в Красной авиации (54, а и б). Аппарат с мотором "Фиат" 240 л. с. и с непонятным номером 3 появился там в апреле 1921 г.; в ноябре его перевезли в Москву, что-то доделали и облетали 2 марта 1922 г., приписав затем к НОА. Шавров В. Б. неправильно называл "двенадцатый" "семнадцатым" - "Альбатрос-17", вслед за оригинальной подписью к фотографиям, изображающим, скорее всего, "трудное прошлое" уже упоминавшегося самолета. Вот он в снегу (55), а вот - на лыжах (56). Но не на обтекаемых лыжах системы Н. П. Лобанова, производства Московского аэротехнического завода, а на сдвоенных, необлагороженной формы, но, вероятно, того же конструктора и той же фабрики. Стоит отметить еще и снабженные роговыми компенсаторами элероны верхних крыльев, впервые такие подвешивались на Ц.Х. Все элероны и руль поворота окрашены красным, одинаково со звездами, одна из которых видна под двигателем. Интересно, что звезды все как на подбор неровные, а на крыльях - повернуты в разные стороны.

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

Albatros C XII

   The Albatros C XII was designed as a successor to the C X and it began to emerge from the Albatros OAW and BFW production lines in the autumn of 1917. A glance at the illustrations is sufficient to show that the design team had decided to put to use knowledge gained from the series of streamlined single-seat fighters. Most certainly in the C XII they produced their most elegant two-seat aeroplane. Few two-seaters - if any - surpassed it for nicety of proportion and profile. Yet the refinement of fuselage design did not produce any great improvement in performance. This was largely due to the inadequate wing sections in use, a really efficient lift/drag ratio having not yet been attained.
   The completely new fuselage structure flowed harmoniously from the large spinnered airscrew to the typical Albatros horizontal knife-edge at the rear. The same 260 h.p. Mercedes D IVa, so successful and reliable in the C X, was neatly installed in the nose with easily removed metal access panels to facilitate servicing. The basic structure was again of longerons and multi-plywood formers, although the latter were now of pure elliptical cross-section. The three-ply covering was pinned and screwed to the framework in small rectangular pieces, to follow the curving contours. The "fining down" of the C XII fuselage resulted in a considerable reduction of the keel surface, and to retain adequate directional stability a small under fin was incorporated in the vertical tail surfaces. This, like the upper fin, was plywood skinned, and also supported the ash tailskid.
   To retain fore and aft sensitivity, the fixed tailplane surface was reduced in area. It was surfaced with plywood and braced to the vertical fin by light steel tube struts. Both rudder and elevator were of steel tube framing, horn balanced and fabric covered.
   The wings were almost identical to those of the earlier C X and of the same wooden construction based on two box spars, the front spar being in close proximity to the leading edge and the rear spar at approximately mid-chord. Ailerons, again at all four wingtips, were of steel tube framing, aerodynamically balanced and hinged to a false spar. The aerofoil-shaped radiator mounted in the starboard centre-section was retained, as was the large centre-section cut-out.
   Due to the revision of the fuselage, alteration of the undercarriage became necessary, the forward struts of which had to be lengthened considerably. Otherwise the chassis was very much the same, with streamlined steel tube vees, the usual elastic cord shock absorbers and the inevitable claw brake in the centre of the axle.
   The C XII came into quite widespread service on the Western Front With the Fl. Abt. and Fl. Abt. (A) Flights during 1918, and remained in operation until the cessation of hostilities.

TECHNICAL DATA
   Purpose: Two-seat reconnaissance and general purposes.
   Manufacturers:
   Albatros Werke G.m.b.H. (Alb.).
   Ostdeutsche Albatros Werke (O.A.W.).
   Bayerische Flugzeug Werke (Bay.).
   Linke-Hofmann Werke (Li.). Possibly.
   Power Plant: 260 h.p. Mercedes D IVa. 6 cylinder in-line, water cooled.
   Dimensions: Span, 14.370 m. (47 ft. 1 7/8 in.); 14.24 m. (O.A.W.) (46 ft. ft. 6 3/4 in.). Length. 8.850 m. (29 ft. 0 3/8 in.). Height, 3.250 m. (10 ft. 7/8 in.). Wing area, 42.7 sq.m. (461.16 sq.ft.).
   Weights: Empty, 1,021 kg. (2,246 lb.). Loaded, 1,639 kg. (3.606 lb. I.
   Performance: Maximum speed, 175 km.hr. (109.4 m.p.h.). Initial climb, 1,000 m. (3,280 ft.) in 5 min. Ceiling, 5,000 m. (16,400 ft.). Duration, 3 hr. 15 in.
   Armament: One fixed gun firing forward for pilot. One free-firing machine-gun for observer. Light bomb loads carried on external racks as tactical demand arose.

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J.Herris Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Vol 2: Late Two-Seaters (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 25)

Albatros C.XII

   The Albatros C.XI was apparently not built, the next Albatros two-seater being the C.XII. The C.XII was a refined derivative of the C.X whose development began in December 1916. The C.XII retained the engine, wings, and structural technology of the C.X combined with a more refined fuselage of more streamlined shape. A look at the Albatros C.VIIIN shows a fuselage and tail very similar to the C.XII, and the C.XII fuselage apparently was derived from the C.VIIIN, with longer nose to accommodate the larger engine and a longer tail to balance it. This was similar to the process used to develop the D.V fighter from the D.III and was similarly ineffective. The empty weight of the C.XII was reduced from the 1,088 kg of the C.X to 1,020 kg, a useful but not dramatic change that made little impact on performance.
   Like the C.X, the C.XII was equipped with the standard two-seater armament of a fixed gun for the pilot and flexible gun for the observer. Cameras and wireless could be installed, and the C.XII could also carry light bombs. The streamlined fuselage had less keel surface so a larger vertical tail supplemented with a fin under the tail were used for stability. The rounded fuselage required longer landing gear legs and the track was increased to 2.20 meters from the 1.95 meters of the C.X for more stability during ground handling. The C.XII cabane strut arrangement was significantly different from that of the C.X and, along with the presence of the under-fuselage fin, is a useful recognition feature distinguishing the two types.
   One of the C.XII prototypes, C.9314/16, was retrofitted with an eight-cylinder Mercedes D.IV engine, perhaps to evaluate using these engines in C.XII training machines.
   The first batch of 300 C.XII aircraft was ordered from Albatros in January, 1917, before the type test had been performed, which began on 1 March. Albatros started delivering C.XII aircraft in May and OAW and BFW-built C.XII deliveries began in June 1917.
   In service the elegant C.XII proved little faster than the C.X. Climb, ceiling, maneuverability, and handling were likely somewhat better due to the C.XII's reduced weight, although this is not reflected in the specifications. This was true of the Johannisthal-built aircraft but OAW-built aircraft proved heavier than those built at Johannisthal, and this extra weight reduced their climb and ceiling to that of the C.X. Despite having the same engine as the Rumpler C.IV and a nearly identical empty weight, the Rumpler was more maneuverable with better handling and slightly faster with far superior climb and ceiling.
   Albatros had slowly evolved their designs from the C.VII through C.X to C.XII. In contrast, Rumpler had taken a bold new approach with their 200 hp C.III and endured major development issues with that aircraft. This paid of when availability of the 260 hp Mercedes enabled the Rumpler C.IV based on the C.III airframe developed with such difficulty. Now Rumpler had a much more efficient wing cellule than Albatros that accounted for the performance difference.
   In service the C.XII suffered serious radiator leakage problems. The radiator housing was a stressed part of the cabane structure and flight loads were transmitted to the radiator housing, causing the soldered seams to leak. By itself this restricted flight duration and required constant repairs.
   Despite its disappointing performance, the C.XII was built in significant numbers and saw service on both the Western and Eastern Fronts. Combat experience soon revealed the C.XII was too vulnerable for long-range reconnaissance missions on the Western Front. First it was relegated to general-purpose, shorter-range reconnaissance duties, then it was removed from active service there, although it continued in service on the less demanding Eastern Front into 1918. Operational service also revealed the streamlined fuselage of the C.XII was not as robust as earlier Albatros C-types and many C.XII aircraft were destroyed in landing accidents, a heavy landing often resulting in the fuselage being broken in two - or even into three pieces.
   Once removed from the front the C.XII was used for training duties, where together with the C.X it continued to demonstrate more difficult handling qualities than earlier Albatros C-types.

Albatros C-Type Specifications
Albatros C.XII Albatros C.XII(OAW) Albatros C.XIII Albatros C.XIV Albatros C.XV
Engine 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa 160 hp Mercedes D.III 220 hp Benz Bz.IVa 220 hp Benz Bz.IVa
Span, Upper 14.37 m 14.24 m 10.00 m 10.4 m 11.8 m
Span, Lower 13.01 m 12.92 m - - -
Chord, Upper 1.8 m 1.8 m - - -
Chord, Lower 1.6 m 1.6 m - - -
Gap 1.73 m (inboard) 1.80 m (outboard) 1.73 m (inboard) 1.80 m (outboard) - - -
Wing Area 42.7 m2 42.7 m2 - - -
Wing Dihedral 3° (upper), 2.5° (lower) 3° (upper), 2.5° (lower) - - -
Length 8.85 m 8.85 m 7.8 m 6.9 m 7.47 m
Height 3.40 m 3.40 m 2.71 m - 3.33 m
Empty Weight 1,020-1,115 kg 1,040-1,115 kg 700 kg 950 kg 859 kg
Loaded Weight 1,638-1,733 kg 1,658-1,733 kg 1,060 kg 1,385 kg 1,320 kg
Maximum Speed 175 km/h 175-180 km/h 165 km/h - 165 km/h
Climb to 1,000m 5 minutes 5 minutes 4 minutes - 3.4 minutes
Climb to 2,000m 11 minutes 11 minutes - - -
Climb to 3,000m 19 minutes 19 minutes - - -
Climb to 4,000m 30 minutes 30 minutes - - -
Climb to 5,000m 45 minutes 45 minutes 47 minutes - -
Climb to 6,000m - - - - 47 minutes
Duration 314 hours - 2.5 hours 3.5 hours 3 hours

Albatros C.XII Production Orders
Order Date Mfr Qty Serials
Dec. 1916 Alb 3 C.9312-9314/16 (1)
Jan. 1917 Alb 150 C.1050-1199/17 (2)
Jan. 1917 OAW 150 C.1200-1349/17 (3)
Feb. 1917 BFW 200 (4) C.1800-1999/17
March 1917 Li 25 (5) C.2350-2374/17
Notes: 1. Prototypes. 2. No data from C.l 150/17 on. 3. All delivered. 4. Last 20 aircraft (1980-1999/17) cancelled. 5. Order cancelled. Total 528 ordered, 483 completed, 433 delivered.

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Описание:Description:

В.Кондратьев Самолеты первой мировой войны
А.Александров, Г.Петров Крылатые пленники России
O.Thetford, P.Gray German Aircraft of the First World War (Putnam)
J.Herris Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Vol 2: Late Two-Seaters (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 25)
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One (Flying Machines)

J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII C.9313/16, one of three prototypes, crashed 10 June 1917, killing pilot Lt. Lindermann and badly injuring observer Lt. Stier at Johannisthal Aerodrome.
В.Кондратьев - Самолеты первой мировой войны

"Альбатрос" C-XII ВВС Германии, 1918г.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII C.1057/17, Lt. Hugo Geiger and Lt. Theodor Rein, FliegerAbteilung 46b, Marimbois Ferme Aerodrome, summer 1917. The lightning bolt was Geiger's personal insignia.
J.Herris - Development of German Warplanes in WWI /Centennial Perspective/ (1)

This C.XII carries a lightning bolt unit marking over its standard factory finish. This aircraft was flown by Lt. Geiger and Lt. Rein in June 1917. Like the C.X, the upper wings and tailplane were normally sprayed in a two-color or three-color camouflage scheme.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII C.1072/17, FliegerAbteilung (A) 291b, summer 1917. The color of the diamond is speculative.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII C.1109/17, Flieger Abteilung (A) 218, Russian Front, 1917.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII(Bay) C.1822/17, presumably an unknown training unit, 1917.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII(Bay) C.1866/17, unknown training unit, 1918.
В.Обухович, А.Никифоров - Самолеты Первой Мировой войны

Альбатрос C XII
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII of the Polish Air Service postwar.
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

C.XII Albatros in the colors of Polish aviation. In Polish air slang it was called a "cow"; Lwow 1919.
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

Albatros C.XII(BFW) C.1833/17, CWL no.2 of the 2nd Reconnaissance Squadron
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

Albatros C.XII. One aircraft of this type was used by the 6th Squadron in Lwow in 1919.

J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

One of three C.XII prototypes at Johannisthal. The cabane structure is redesigned from the C.X and the horizontal stabilizer is wider span; coupled with the taller tail, a strut was needed for strength. The reduced keel area of the streamlined rear fuselage required an under-fuselage fin to be added in addition to a larger vertical tail.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

One of three C.XII prototypes at Johannisthal.This appears to be 9313/16 crashed fatally by Lt. Lindemann. The family resemblance to the famous D.V fighter is clearly evident. The D.V was built in huge numbers because for many months it was the best German fighter despite its inferiority to the latest Allied aircraft. However, the graceful C.XII is little known because it was over-shadowed by the Rumpler C.IV family that gave such exceptional service.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Prototype C.XII 9313/16 displays its camouflage scheme; the contrast between the dark green and brown finish is more visible in this view. The stub wing built into the lower fuselage for attachment of the lower wing is easily seen. Developed at the same time as the D.V fighter, the same process of evolutionary refinement was used for both designs.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII 9313/16 was the second of three prototypes (9312-9314/16). The limited contrast between the dark green and brown paint makes it easy to confuse its three-color camouflage scheme for a two-color scheme.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

The chocks are removed and ground crew hold back prototype C.XII 9313/16 as it readies for takeoff with pilot Lt. Lindemann and observer Lt. Stier. "Versuchs-Flugzeug" (test aircraft) is stenciled below the observer's cockpit.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

A C.XII prototype in a hangar at Alt-Auz Flugplatz, Latvia. Windhoffer, who managed the airborne cameras for reconnaissance there, is in the light uniform.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

On 10 June 1917 C.XII 9313/16 crashed after take off, killing Lt. Lindemann and badly injuring Lt. Stier after Lindemann lost control during a steep turn at low altitude.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Like the Albatros C.X, the Albatros C.XII was tested with an eight-cylinder Mercedes D.IV, almost certainly to evaluate its suitability to power C.XII trainers. Here the third C.XII prototype, 9314/16, is shown fitted with a Mercedes D.IV in mid-late 1918. Like the earlier C.X conversion, the spinner was eliminated and the engine cowling was replaced with a new, streamlined metal cowl. The rubber shortage has affected this aircraft by eliminating rubber tires; that and the number '6' on the fuselage indicate training use. The Mercedes D.IV and D.IVa were nearly the same size and weight and of similar power, making the conversion straight-forward. Use of the obsolescent D.IV in some C.X and C.XII aircraft used for training freed up supply of the 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa engine urgently needed for priority operational types.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII 1057/17 was flown by pilot Lt. Hugo Geiger and observer Lt. Theodor Rein of FliegerAbteilung 46b. The red lightning bolt was Geiger's personal marking. The covered hatch behind the observer is for installation of a long focal-length camera. FA 46b flew from Marinbois Ferme in the late spring and summer of 1917 while equipped with the Albatros C.X and C.XII. Geiger's C.XII 1057/17 was lost on 23 July 1917; engine failure caused an emergency landing that broke the fuselage in two, a common problem with the C.XII.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Lt. Hugo Geiger in front of his Albatros C.XII assigned to FliegerAbteilung 46b. (Courtesy Bruno Schmaling)
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII 1057/17 was flown by pilot Lt. Hugo Geiger and observer Lt. Theodor Rein of FliegerAbteilung 46b. The red lightning bolt was Geiger's personal marking. The covered hatch behind the observer is for installation of a long focal-length camera. FA 46b flew from Marinbois Ferme in the late spring and summer of 1917 while equipped with the Albatros C.X (seen taxiing here) and C.XII. Geiger's C.XII 1057/17 was lost on 23 July 1917; engine failure caused an emergency landing that broke the fuselage in two, a common problem with the C.XII.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Albatros C.X - Германия - 1917
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII 1069/17 in front of the Zeppelin hangar at Johannisthal awaiting shipment to an operational unit.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

An unarmed Albatros C.XII 1072/17 taxies for takeoff. Marked with a white '7' on a dark diamond or route, this style of white numeral on a dark diamond was employed as a unit marking by Bavarian FliegerAbteilung (A) 291.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII 1079/17 and two other C.XII aircraft at Armee Flugpark 3 (AFP 3) ready to be delivered to operational units.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII C.1085/17 in its hangar.The glossy finish reflects the light used to take the photos. The magnetic compass in the root of the lower right wing is an interesting detail.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

The Albatros C.XII was the final evolution of the traditional Albatros C-type designs. Powered by a 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa engine like its C.X ancestor, it was undoubtedly one of the most elegant designs of the time. If only its performance had lived up to its appearance!
The Albatros C XII long range reconnaissance machine made its debut in the summer of 1917 and initial service deliveries commenced towards the end of that year. Power was provided by a 260hp Mercedes D IVa, giving the aircraft a top level speed of 109mph at sea level. The service ceiling for the C XII was cited as 16,400 feet. The standard armament of single fixed and flexible 7.92mm guns was carried. This is the prototype, C1096/17. Albatros, plus three sub-contracting companies were involved in producing these machines, but quite how many is unknown / "Альбатрос" C-XII - лучший германский воздушный разведчик Первой мировой войны
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII 1100/17 of Flieger Abteilung 31 being shown to the staff of the 15th Infantry Division by its proud owners. The photo was taken in the summer of 1917 in Russia, and the C.XII remained in use there until the end of hostilities on the Russian Front.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII C.1100/17 newly assigned to FliegerAbteilung 31 on the Russian Front.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

The aircrew tries on an Albatros C.XII C.1102/17 at FliegerAbteilung (A) 214.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII 1109/17 was stationed in Russia, probably with FliegerAbteilung (A) 218. The view shows it carrying two 50 kg PuW bombs under the observer's cockpit, a practice creating an aft center of gravity and reduced stability. The dark patch just in front of the fin is a reinforcement patch to strengthen the rear fuselage, a known weak spot in the C.XII design.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII 1109/17 was stationed in Russia, probably with FliegerAbteilung (A) 218. The front quarter view shows the under-fuselage bomb racks for 12.5 kg PuW bombs, a panel in front of the cylinder heads, perhaps to improve airflow, and the rounded compass housing under the lower right wing.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

At Flieger Ersatz Abteilung 7 at Koln Albatros C.XII 1124/17 is in the middle of the lineup with Albatros C.III(Bay) 6296/17 at left.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Albatros C.III - Германия - 1916
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII(OAW) 1200/17, the first OAW-built C.XII, photographed at Johannisthal in April/May 1917.
Aviation enthusiasts often say, 'If it looks right, it will fly right'. This saying persists because it is so often true. The Albatros C.XII is an exception; one of the most elegant WWI aircraft, it was a mediocre performer that was not robust enough to withstand the battering of normal service use. However, it is an example of the most successful, and thus most common, configuration of Great War aircraft, the strut-braced wood biplane with engine mounted to power a tractor propeller.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII(OAW) 1200/17 was the first OAW-built C.XII and was photographed at Johannisthal in April or May 1917 being prepared for type testing. The cowling panel has been removed.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

OAW-built C.XII 1246/17 in excellent condition. The under-fuselage vents on OAW-built aircraft appear more prominent than on C.XII aircraft built by the Johannisthal factory.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII(Bay) 1801/17 was the second production aircraft in a batch of 200 ordered from BFW in February 1917 and was the type-test aircraft. BFW-built aircraft had the national insignia completely on the rudder; on Albatros-built aircraft the insignia overlapped onto the fin. BFW also used a single piece of metal for each side of the engine cowling. Almost all C.XII aircraft were built with bomb racks for 12.5 kg PuW bombs, a clear indication that Idflieg recognized early during evaluation that the Rumpler C.IV was the superior aircraft for long-range reconnaissance.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII(Bay) 1801/17 was the second production aircraft in a batch of 200 ordered from BFW in February 1917 and was the type-test aircraft.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII(Bay) 1802/17 was also involved in type-testing BFW-built aircraft. The wood-working quality is notable.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII(Bay) 1831/17 illustrates the BFW-built aircraft. Stencilling on the struts clearly showed where each strut fit.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII(Bay) C.1864/17 of Flieger-Abteilung (A) 291b getting ready for a mission. The claw brake has been removed.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII (Bay) 1866/17 was serving as a trainer in 1918 as indicated by the missing spinner. A wheel cover is also missing and the serial number is shown prominently in two adjacent locations.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII(Bay) 1899/17 in a lineup of C.XII aircraft of FliegerAbteilung (A) 214 during the winter of 1917/1918 at Daudsewas (Daudzeva), Latvia.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII (Bay) 1918/17 is serving as the mail plane on the Eastern Front and its rear cockpit has been covered over to hold bags of mail. The beautiful wood-working of the fuselage shows well.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII(Bay) 1925/17 readies for takeoff with two Albatros C.IIIs behind it. This is a training unit whose name is painted on the fuselage behind the cross on the fuselage, but is not quite legible.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Albatros C.III - Германия - 1916
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Two C.XII(Bay) training machines, with 1942/17 in front. The missing propeller spinner and mud guards over the wheels, common modifications on trainers, were not used on combat aircraft.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Major Friedrich Stempel, commander of all Bavarian FEA units, used immaculate C.XII (Bay) 1972/17 as his personal transport. Above the small Bavarian crest on the fuselage was the inscription "Kommandeur der Bayerischen Flieger-Ersatz-Truppen-Fliegerstation Schleissheim bie Munchen, Konigreich Bayern."
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII(Bay) 1972/17 in 1918. The inscription above the small Bavarian crest on the fuselage has been painted over and it wears wooden wheels. Its worn condition indicates it now works for a living. Airfield conditions at permanent air bases were very different from conditions at the front.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 1: Early Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (24)

The C.X and C.XII were the third generation of Albatros C-types. Both types were powered by the 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa six-cylinder engine and used basically the same wing cellule. The C.XII shown was one of the most elegant two-seaters of the war, unfortunately its performance did not match its appearance.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

A new Albatros C.XII photographed at the Fokker factory airfield. Fokker was not involved with C.XII production so there was some other reason for the visit. The C.XII has a recording altimeter and anemometer airspeed indicator for test purposes.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII assigned to Flieger Ersatz Abteilung 4 at Posen. (Courtesy Bruno Schmaling)
M.Dusing - German Aviation Industry in WWI. Volume 1 /Centennial Perspective/ (84)

Albatros C.XII(Bay) (1917/18)
В.Кондратьев - Самолеты первой мировой войны
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

This C.XII trainer sports an auxiliary radiator on the front cabane strut as well as mud flaps and no spinner.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Auxiliary radiator fitted to a C.XII used for training.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Damaged spinner shows how thin the metal was.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

A C.XII(Bay) at right heads a lineup of FliegerAbteilung (A) 291b; the other aircraft are DFW C.Vs. Many Bavarian units had C.XIIs.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: DFW C.V - Германия - 1916
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

At an unidentified training unit a C.XII(Bay) rests in the left foreground with another behind it. From center are Albatros C.I 1535/15, an Albatros B.II, an AEG G.IV, and a DFW C.V.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: AEG G.IV - Германия - 1916 Albatros B.II - Германия - 1914 Albatros C.I - Германия - 1915 DFW C.V - Германия - 1916
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Aircraft in training service seldom stayed pristine for long. This C.XII has had major repairs to its upper wing after an accident, and mud flaps have been fitted, a drag-producing device not used on aircraft at the front. Use of a block radiator above the wing in place of the streamlined airfoil radiator that was more subject to leaks is a final insult. This C.XII served at Flieger Ersatz Abteilung 14.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

An unidentified Albatros C.XII(OAW) near Minsk wears 1918 insignia. The observer waves at the photo aircraft, probably an aircraft of the same unit.
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

From the Austro-Hungarian aviation over Polish Lwow... Among the Poles who served during the Great War in the Austro-Hungarian Luftfahrtruppen was, among others, Oblt. Fp. Georg von Nalecz-Sosnowski, during the Second Polish Republic, Captain Jerzy Sossnowski, famous for the spy scandal, who served in Flik 13D from December 1, 1917 on the Albanian Front. In the photograph one of the "flying legends" from Lwow, Lieutenant Stefan Stec, who ended the Great War in 1918 in Flik 3J over Alps. The photograph was taken at Lewandowka in Lwow in the spring of 1919 - in the background an Albatros C.XII aircraft popularly called a "cow". (T. J. Kopanski, 7. Hunting Squadron Tadeusza Kosciuszki 7978-1927, Warszawa 2011)
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII(Bay) aircraft in post-war service with the new Polish air service
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII (Bay) aircraft in post-war service with the new Polish air service
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

More and more east... In the spring of 1920, field airports of Polish air squadrons were usually situated near railways. The photos show Albatros C.XII(BFW) C.1833/17, CWL no.2 of the 2nd Reconnaissance Squadron. The observer has a Russian machine gun on a Russian mount. (collection of A. Sikorski)
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

Images from the past... From the combat trail of the 2nd Reconnaissance Squadron in 1920. (A. Sikorski's collection)
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Passing the Dachshund to the pilot of an Albatros C.XII(Bay); the lack of wheel covers is consistent with the location at a training unit.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII assigned to FliegerAbteilung (A) 280. (Courtesy Bruno Schmaling)
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Three aviators pose with an immaculate, unidentified C.XII(Bay) in the background. A small tank is attached above the radiator, perhaps for a maintenance procedure.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

The aircrew at right and ground crew at left pose in front of an Albatros C.XII before an operational mission. The C.XII was built by Albatros as confirmed by the 1020 kg empty weight stencilled on the fuselage.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII assigned to FliegerAbteilung (A) 291; the new aircraft is getting a review. (Courtesy Bruno Schmaling)
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

An unidentified Albatros C.XIl(Bay) is the backdrop for this photo taken at FliegerAbteilung (A) 213.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

An Albatros C.XII(Bay) serves as a backdrop for a group photo.
А.Александров, Г.Петров - Крылатые пленники России

(КПР 54а)
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Ski-equipped C.XII captured by Bolshevik forces post-war; a star can be faintly seen on the rudder.
А.Александров, Г.Петров - Крылатые пленники России

(КПР 54б)
А.Александров, Г.Петров - Крылатые пленники России

(КПР 55)
А.Александров, Г.Петров - Крылатые пленники России

(КПР 56)
L.Andersson - Soviet Aircraft and Aviation 1917-1941 /Putnam/

An Albatros C XII, one of the many Albatros types used by the RKKVF.

J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XIl(Bay) after a bad landing at a training unit.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

The beautifully-streamlined fuselage of the C.XII was not as robust as the chunkier C.X, and many C.XIl aircraft were destroyed in operational accidents, particularly landing accidents. These photos illustrate the problem. A C.XII(Bay) trainer has broken in half after taxiing over a hole that the tail fell in. Mud flaps and no spinner confirm its trainer status.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII(Bay) 1861/17 of FA (A) 291b was broken in half in a rough landing by Flieger Otto Gobel.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII(Bay) 1822/17 broken in half in a rough landing.The insignia presentation is non-standard.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

This unidentified C.XII(Bay) broke its back after flipping over on landing.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

Albatros C.XII of Flieger-Abteilung (A) 276 after a crash.The fragile fuselage has broken in half.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 2: Late Two-Seaters /Centennial Perspective/ (25)

C.XII(OAW) 1210/17 ran into a ditch and broke into three pieces.The accident occurred near Minsk in early 1918.
J.Herris - Otto, AGO and BFW Aircraft of WWI /Centennial Perspective/ (37)

Ago C.IV 8963/16 crashed on take-off on June 26, 1917 while being flown by Lt. Kruger of FA 26, who was unhurt. This was not uncommon of the Ago C.IV during rough field operations. Albatros C.XII(BFW) 1816/17 in the tent has unusual vents in its nose. (Peter M. Grosz Collection/STDB)

Другие самолёты на фотографии: AGO C.IV - Германия - 1916
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

Albatros C.XII after a crash-landing on Lewandowka. (collections of Lt. Col. Dr.T. Kopanski and the Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow)

O.Thetford, P.Gray - German Aircraft of the First World War /Putnam/
В.Кондратьев - Самолеты первой мировой войны

"Альбатрос" C-XII

Фотографии