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

Ago C VII
   Prototype only constructed. Engine 220 h.p. Benz Bz IV. No data available. The machine appears to utilise standard C IV fuselage and tail, with steel strip bracing in place of the usual cables.

Ago C VIII
   This aircraft was virtually a re-engined C VII with a 260 h.p. Mercedes D IVa; there was also some revision of the tail surfaces. No other data available.

J.Herris Otto, AGO and BFW Aircraft of WWI (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 37)

Ago C.VII

   The Ago C.VII was basically a late-production Ago C.IV with conventional two-bay wing of rectangular planform. Like the Ago C.IV, the C.VII was powered by a 200 hp Benz Bz.IV.
   The C.VII prototype was modified with a vertical fin and rudder that resembled those of the C.V and C.VI. Postwar the prototype was sold to Estonia along with a couple of Ago C.IV aircraft.


Ago C.VIII

   The Ago C.VIII was another conventional two-bay two-seater with rectangular wing planform. Reportedly the engine was a 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa. The wood fuselage was sheathed with plywood.
   The photos show modifications to the C.VIII for improved flight characteristics and performance. At top the fin and rudder are more pointed; the other photos show a more rounded fin and rudder profile.
   Another photo shows a very different wing bracing design with three bays of slanted struts. The change lowered the upper wing closer to the top of the fuselage.


Ago C.IX

   The final Ago C-type design was the C.IX. The C.IX appears to have the same airframe and engine (260 hp Mercedes D.IVa) as the C.VIII but with a leading edge radiator replacing the airfoil radiator installed in the C.VIII.
   Like the earlier C.VIII, the C.IX was a conventional two-bay design with wood fuselage wrapped with plywood. The wings had conventional struts and rectangular planform. Ailerons were fitted to all four wings.
   The C.IX remained a prototype and no production was undertaken.


Ago C.VII engine 200 hp Benz Bz.IV; no further information.
Ago C.VIII engine 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa; no further information.
Ago C.IX engine 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa; no further information.