History

The Aviatik C.I was (on the German side) the first two-seat armed aircraft entering operational service. Typical for this type was the heart-shaped elevator.
The Aviatik C.IA was, as often occurred, the observer placed in front of the pilot. It will be evident that the observer was hampered by all tension wires and supports.
In the Aviatik C.IB the pilot and observer had changed places and observer sat behind the pilot, a configuration that was more usual.
Replacing the interim solution C.I, Aviatik C.II was introduced in 1915 with a more powerful engine and the Aviatik C.III was developed.

Aviatik C. III was introduced in 1916 to meet the demand for better performance. The device was actually an improved Aviatik C.I
There were mainly changes regarding the streamline, the exhausts were changed and there was a big spinner of the propeller mounted. Furthermore, the radiator concealed in the wing surface.
This resulted in significantly better performance and improved forward visibility.
In 1916 came the Aviatik C.V equipped with an Argus of 180 hp. Later the Aviatik C.VI was released, which actually was a DFW C.V license.
In 1917, the Aviatik C.VIII was developed, equipped with the 160 hp Mercedes D.II. In 1918 followed the Aviatik C.IX with a 200 hp Benz.

 

Technical Information
Dimensions:
Length 8,08 m Wingspan: 11,8 m
Height: 3,25 m Wing area: 35 m2
Weights:
Empty weight: 390 kg Max. start weight 1340 kg
Performance:
Max. speed: 160 km/u Climbing speed: 240 m/min
Range: 420 km Service ceiling: 6000 m
Miscellaneous
Engine type: One Mercedes D-III rated 160 pk
Crew: Two men
Armament: Two machine-guns

 


On October 11, 1916 an Aviatik C.III landed in the Netherlands and was in use as LA36. During 1918 the registration changed to AV404. On February 28, 1919 the aircraft fell into the Rhine, due to bad weather.

Aviatik C.III. Met draaiende motor voor hangaar.
Aviatik C.III, with the engine running.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Aviatik C.III. Geïnterneerd toestel. Detail cockpit en bewapening.
Aviatik C.III; interned example. Detail cockpit and armament.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Aviatik C.III met oranje bol. Geïnterneerd toestel.
Aviatik C.III, interned aircraft with orange ball.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 


Serial Werknr. Bestellnr. Date in service Date out of service Notes
LA36 1753/16   11-10-1916 28-02-1919  

 


1/72nd Scale

Kits

  • Ardpol Models
    • Kit 72-031:
  • Lüdemann
    • LR037: A resin kit

Modelling add-on

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Decals

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1/48th Scale

Kits

  • -
    • Kit -: -.

Modelling add-on

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    • Set --: --

Decals

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    • Set --: --

 


The fuselage: overall wood with varnish (Humbrol colour as indication); Wings (and linen parts) cellite. Metal parts were painted in a colour like light chocolat.

Scheme Colour name FS number Humbrol XtraColor Vallejo Model Color Vallejo Model Air
Standard #1 Fuselage Wood   100      
Wings Cellite ~3531 121 X105    
Metals parts, struts, etc. Chocolat   94      

Check www.paint4models.com for an extensive conversion table with lots of colour and paint systems.

 


Literature.

Van Brik tot Starfighter H. Hooftman   1965 La Rivière en Voorhoeve - Zwolle
Nederlandse Militaire Luchtvaart in Beeld., deel 1. Hugo Hooftman pag. 33 - 35 1977 Europese Bibliotheek, Zaltbommel
KLu Vliegtuigen W. Schoenmaker/Th. Postma pag. 13 Uitgave: De Alk Alkmaar 1987
Camouflage en Kentekens J.Greuter e.a.   1997 Bonneville – Bergen (NH)
Air Enthusiast no.80, The Historical Aviation Journal: Unexpected Windfalls Bart van der Klaauw pag. 54 - 59 1999 Key Publishing, Stamford

 

Websites.