Aviatik (Ö) C.I

The Aviatik (Ö) C.I, the prototypes of which were known as Aviatik 30.14, Aviatik 30.15 and Aviatik 30.16, was an Austro-Hungarian 2-seat reconnaissance aircraft produced from 1917.

Development
Despite the known performance issues with the contemporary production reconnaissance aircraft, (Knoller C.II(Av) among others), development of the C.I was delayed until authoristation was given to proceed on 26 September 1916, when three prototypes were ordered for evaluation. Flight trials of the prototypes were satisfactory and 96 production Aviatik C.I series 37 aircraft were ordered in March 1917.

A relatively conventional aircraft of its day, the C.I followed contemporary practice of a single tractor engine with two cockpits, front for pilot and rear for observer/gunner. Construction was primarily of wood with fabric covered wings and tail but plywood covered fuselage.

Powered by 185 hp Austro-Daimler 185hp engines the series 37 aircraft were eagerly awaited by front-line squadrons of the LFT, but disappointment quickly set in as the aircraft failed to meet performance specifications, particularly in rate of climb, and suffered from fragile airframe, not to mention sloppy workmanship. Other issues with photo-reconnaissance aircraft included vibration, causing blurred images, cramped rear cockpit and inability to carry larger cameras than 30 cm focal length. Even more criticism was levelled on the stability and the cumbersome control wheel for roll control, making the C.I light on the controls and prone to oscillate at the slightest upset.

To alleviate some performance issues the C.I series 137 was developed, powered by a 200 hp Austro-Daimler 200hp, but availability of the engine was limited because it was given priorty for fighter aircraft. In lieu of the 200 hp engine most 137 series aircraft were fitted with re-furbished 185 hp Austro-Daimler 185hp engines. Although generally appreciated by the squadron pilots the 137 series also suffered from the same fragile airframe and shoddy workmanship found in the series 37.

Some C.I aircraft were converted to single-seaters, losing 30 kg in weight, armed with two synchronised machine-guns in the fuselage, proving popular due to the increased performance.

Operational history
The three prototypes were evaluated in late 1916 and early 1917, with production aircraft reaching the front in August 1917. Production C.Is were flown by many of the reconnaissance Fliks (Flieger Kompagnien) of the LFT (LuftFahrTruppe), including Fliks 17/D, 21/D, 24/F, and 48/D in the South Tyrol theatre and 2/D, 5/D, 12/Rb, 19/D, 22/D, 23/D, 32, 34/D, 46/P and 58/D on the Isonzo front. The Aviatik C.I was slowly replaced by more capable aircraft from the Spring of 1918.

Operators

 * Austria-Hungary
 * Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops