Rumpler C.IV

History

The Rumpler C.IV was a two seat reconnaissance aircraft and developed from the Rumpler C.III, and differed from it by revised tail section and the engine, a 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa. The aircraft was built under license by Pfalz as Pfalz C.I.

The Rumpler Cc.IV was developed because of new specifications of IDFlieg in autumn 1916, for a high performance reconnaissance aircraft, which had to be capable of carrying the newly developed "Reihenbildkamera". The aircraft operated from a height of about 6000 m.

The aircraft had to succeed the Albatros C.VII, equipped wit 220 hp Mercedes D.IV. Albatros had developed the Albatros C.X, also with a Mercedes D.IVa. Both types entered service at the beginning of 1917. The Albatros was disappointing and performed hardly better than the Albatros C.VII, so just 100 examples were bult and used for training.

The Rumpler C.IV suffered problems with the construction of the fuselage, causing delay in production. Many aircraft were returned to the factory for modifications. In May 1917 the Rumpler C.IV entered operational service.
Because of its good performance it was kept in service until the end of the war. About 2000 examples were built.

The Rumpler 6B-2, was a single seat float version with a 160 hp Mercedes D.III.