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    36 LVG Aircraft of WWI Volume 3 C.vi - C.xi & Fighters

    Uploaded by

    Fabrice Latuillerie

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    LVG Aircraft of WWI Volume 3 C.VI-C.XI & Fighters Jack Herris LVG Aircraft of WWI Volume 3: C.VI - C.XI & Fighters A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes Jack Herris Great War Aviation Centennial Series #36 LVG Aircraft of WWI Volume 3: C.VI - C.XI & Fighters A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes Jack Herris Great War Aviation Centennial Series #36 This three-volume set of LVG books is dedicated to Greg VanWyngarden, who was especially helpful providing information and photographs with markings, particularly for reference for profiles. Acknowledgements ‘My sincere thanks to Reinhard Zankl for his insightful information, comments about production orders and serial numbers, and photographs; to Colin Owers for information, photographs, and scale drawings; to Piotr ‘Mrozowski and Greg VanWyngarden for photographs and important information; and Brano Schmaling, Michael Schmeelke, Bill Toohey, and Richard Andrews for photographs. Thanks also to Bob Pearson for his color profiles, Aaron Weaver for cover design, Marty Digmayer for scale drawings, and the Deutsches ‘Technikmuscum in Berlin and The Museum of Flight in Seattle for photographs. Any errors are my responsibility. Thanks to Steve Anderson for the cover painting. Please see Steve’s website at: www.anderson-art.com Color aircraft profiles © Bob Pearson. Purchase his CD of WWI aircraft profiles for $50 US/Canadian, 40 €, or £30, airmail postage included, via Paypal to Bob at: bpearson@kaien.net For our aviation books in print please see our website at: www.aeronautbooks.com, Tam looking for photographs of the less well-known German aircraft of WWI for future titles. For questions or to help with photographs please contact me at jherris@me.com Interested in WWI aviation? Join The League of WWI Aviation Historians (www.overthefront.com|, Cross & Cockade International (www.crossandcockade.com|, and Das Propellerblatt (www.propellerblatt.de}. ISBN: 978-1-935881-74-2 © 2019 Aeronaut Books, all rights reserved Text © 2019 Jack Herris, Design and layout: Jack Herris Cover design: Aaron Weaver Books for Enthusiasts by Enthusiasts Digital photo editing: Jack Herris www.aeronautbooks.com Roy rural Table of Contents IvG Dr 104 LVG Volume 1 LVG Dall 105 Luit-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (VG) 4 LWGDIV 107 Early LVG Aircraft (E1-E4) 10 Lv. 109 LVG B-Types 2 LWGD.L 112 IVGBI 18 LVG Bombers 4 VG BIL 8 = LWGGI a LVG Ban 4 WWGG.m 47 ‘Torpedo Bomber Prototype 131 LVG Post War 320 LVG C-Types 134 LWG PIS PUL 112 IVG Cl 138 LVGW1& Wi 512 Afterword 156 LVG Aircraft In Retrospect, 126 LVG Volume 2 Bibliography 127 ING CAI 4 Seale Drawings (1/48) IG Cutt oO LWGBA 128 VG CIV 4 © LWGCL 132 Wee. 12 © LVG BAI 137 Alterword 234 = -IVG CIM 140 LVG Volume 3 er ay VG Aircraft in Polish Aviation a gee ey, ae ages 4 6oWoGw 148 Seer 3 «sO LWWG.C.VII 152 LVG C.X1(Schiil) 7 ee id ILVG Fighters 98 1G D.V 158 IGE. 99 LWGD.VI 160 aTvinl 102 Afterword 162 SENS | Vey ie | Vv / G/ 4 L ircralt in Polish Aviation ith the regaining of independence in 1918 and the return of Poland to the maps of Europe, the Polish army revived, along with the newly formed Polish Air Service. During the great war, Polish pilots were trained in almost all European armies. Such a conglomerate, in theory, had no right to achieve anything, but the Polish Air Service, new born from Europe's ashes was able to fight effectively to defend the borders of the young Polish Republic and to win complete air superiority during the Polish-Bolshevik war. Initially, most of the aircraft captured from occupying countries were German. Lawica Air Station (Flieger Ersatz Abteilung Nr 4 = Lawitz/Posen) became the largest source, where about 500 aircraft were capturedof which over 100 were suitable for immediate use. In general, in the initial time Polish aviation had about 200, LVG aircraft of various types. Historians report that more than 150 LVG C.V aircraft were acquired from four different sources (the first batch captured from the Germans, the second from the Inter-Allied Reparations Commission, the third purchased in Germany, and the fourth from the Eastern Front). Aircraft of this type were used by several reconnaissance and one bomber fights (escadrilles) Interesting is that LVG C.V was chosen by Polish Aviation Headquarters to mass production at Lawica ‘workshops (but end of the Polish — Soviet war ending this project). . About 15 LVG C.VI aircraft were deployed in different units. 14 LVG C.D aircraft were included in one that was used in combat (by 12. Eskadra Lotnicza ~ 12 Air Escadrille|, but the rest were unusable and had to be struck off charge. There were also two LVG C.ll (3300/17? and 3309/17? captured at Eawica) and one LVG Bull. In addition to combat squadrons, LVG aircraft were used in the air schools in Grudziadz, Krakéw, Poznan, Torun and Warsaw. So we could say that the LVG C.V and C.VI 1 Left: Crashed LVGCV 3234/17 from OSOL Torus (Ofcerska Szkofa Obserwatoréw Lotnicaych = Air Observers Officers! ‘Schoo)). The aircraft is in early Polish camouflage, green fuselage with white stencils, wings clear-doped linen. Above: Crashed LVG CV 3364/17 that belonged to the 14 Eskadra Wywiadowcza. Aircraft was mounted in April 1919 in Poznat\/tawica. Wings camouflaged from top, with large green patches applied by brush straight onto the CDL covering, were the ‘work horses’ of the Polish aviation in the I would like to thank Robert Gretzyngier and initial period and had a big share in its victories... _ Tomasz J. Kopanski for photographs from their Piotr Mrozowski collections. ‘Above: LVG C.V 9495/18 mounted at Ill RPL Lwéw (3rd aircraft depot at Lvéw) in characteristic camouflage and markings for machines mounted/repaired in this depot. Fuselage dark olive-green (using ex A-H paint) and wings CDL. es Ee] Left Crashed VG CY 977/17 from the 1st Air Regiment, Warsaw — ‘Mokotow in 1921. The aircrafts in early Polish ‘camouflage: the fuselage is painted green, wings same ‘green patches from the top and CDL from bottom. Left: Two LVG CV from 17 EW. Atfront machine CWL 10.9.7 from CWL 9.1 to 9.12 batch), powered with Austro-Daimler engine. Both machines are in CWL green ~ light blue camouflage. Left: LVG C.V from 21st Eskadra Niszczycielska (Destroying ‘Squadron First from leftis pilot Ludomit Rayski, squadron CO, future commander of the Polish Air Force (1926 to 11939). Aircraft is from the CWL batch. ‘Above: Crashed LVG C.V 3364/17 from 1th Eskadra Wywiadowcza. Aircraft mounted in Poznari tawica wings camouflaged with large green patches applied by brush. ‘Above: LVG CV Polish no. 211/17 from 3rd Eskadra Wielkopolska. Aircraft mounted in Poznaf tawica with interesting three tone green, brown, and yellowish sand camouflage. ‘Above: LVG C.V Polish CWL no. 9.5 photographed after crash. Note: No lizard painted at right side and upper wings replaced after cannibalized from another machine (very probably after combat damage) with two-tone German Right: LVG CV from 8th Reconnaissance Squadron (8. EW). Chelm airfeld, September 1920. The photo was taken during a short break from the action. At this time the squadron was experiencing heavy clashes with the Budionny cavalry. Note the white-red painted spinner. Facing Page, Bottom: 1st Eskadra Wielkopolska (12th EW) photographed during its move from Wojnowice afield to the North-East Bolshevik Front, September 1919. From left aircraft LVG Cv 14442117 (wk. 32544) not; next DFW CV 7897/18 (wk, 33000) no’2’ and LVG CV no,’5' 15948 /17. (Piotr Mrozowski) Left: LVG Cv 15948/17 “5, with painted gids name’Halka' from Ist Field Air Squadron (1-sza Wielkopolska Eskadra). The aircrafts in original German ‘camouflage characteristic for this production batch. Photo taken in Mitisk Lit, during changing railways track, from European gauge to Russian standard gauge, which is wider. (Piotr Mrozowski) ‘Above: Crashed LVG CI, 1505/18 from OSOL Torus (Oficerska Szkofa Obserwatoréw Lotniczych ~ Air Observers Officers! Schoo). After the war aircraft were repaired In tawica and received green camouflage plus white stencils. Note the OSOL badge (Eye of Providence) painted on the fuselage. This aircraft was assembled (from parts delivered from Poznari) in WL ‘Warsaw with CWL no. 23 at this time machine have normal green-violet camouflage and served atthe front in 7th EW. (Piotr Mrozowski) 10 ‘Above: Group of 12 Eskadra Wywiadowcza pilots and observers, photographed near LVG C.V 2228/17'4' Mania/Ema at Kalenkowicze near Bobrujsk airfield in September 1919. From left observer sergeant Roman Swigcick, pilot sergeant Kazimierz Burzyfiski, pilot Lt Franciszek Jach, pilot sergeant Jézef Mihlnikiel, observer Lt. Bogdan Baczynski, observer Lt. Maksymilian Kowalewski, pilot Sergent Bolestaw Gallus, and pilot sergeant Jézef Napierala. Note: The Squadron honor ‘emblem For defending Eastern Borderlands” (Za Obrone Kreséw Wschodnich) painted at the front of aircraft. The aircraft is in violet/green on the top and light blue on the bottom camouflage. (Piotr Mrozowski) Above: Commemorative photo taken at 1st EW (12 EW) during Gen. Daniel! Konarzewski’ vist. In the center of flying ‘and ground personnel is quest Gen. D. Konarzewski and Eskadra CO Lt. pilot Wiadystaw Jurgenson. Note interesting Unidentified LVG CY seen at center, with closed fuselage side engine ventilation and partially seen painted girl name ‘Milka! Kisielewicze airfield, April 1919. Piotr Mrozowski) Ir ‘Above: LVG CV 15948/17 (wk. 33249)'S’ named'Halka /Zosia' from 1st Eskadra Wielkopolska (12th EW). From left: air ‘mechanic Przywarsk, pilot Lt. Ludwik Halagiera pilot Lt. Teofl Krzywik, observer sergeant Leonard Hudzicki, unknown, and air mechanic Waller. Note small white airplane silhouette in circle painted at nose — very probably CSL (Centraina ‘Kadhica Loinicza - Central Air Depot Warsaw) logo. Below: LVG CV 3201/17 (wk. 30746)'3’named'Kotek: (Piotr Mrozowski) 12 Above: Guest of 1st Eskadra Wielkopolska (12th EW), Gen. Daniel Konarzewski (with mustache) photographed near Squadron pilots, observers, and mechanics in front of the wreck of LVG CV 9614/17, Kisielewicze near Bobrujsk airfield, spring 1920. Aircraft was crashed by pilot Lt. Witold Rutkowski. Standing near the fuselage chessboard CO 12 EW Squadron, pilot Lt. Wladyslaw Jurgenson, shot down (10 May 1920), captured, and brutally murdered by Bolsheviks. (Piotr Mrozowski) Below: LVG CV 15917/17'2’named'‘Stasia from 1st Eskadra Wrelkopolska (Wielkopolan Squadron). The aircraft has two- tone German camouflage. Photo taken in April 1919 at Hureczko near Przemysl airfield, during operation code name “Jazda Ride’). Note the two color (red-white) painted propeller spinner. All 1 EW Squadron’ aircraft at this time had red- White spinners, some with painted girs names at white spinner strip. (Piotr Mrazowski) 13 ‘Above & Below: Two pictures showing crashed LVG CV 4576/17 powered by an 225 hp Austro-Daimler engine. 14 Above & Below: LVG CVI 1505/18 CWL no. 23, from II Air Group, 7th Eskadra Lotnicza, Lewandéwka near Lwéw airfeld 1919. Standing before aircraft, from left to right Pilot Lt. Mieczyslaw Garsztka and observer Lt. Kazimierz Swoszowski Aircraft mounted in CWL from Warsaw/Mokot6w airfeld booty. Machine in original German green-violet camouflage on fuselage and wings. Note the characteristic for early CWL painted chessboards with thin red outline and litte white circle logo probably CSL (Centralna Sktadnica Lotnicza ~ Central Air Depot Warsaw) painted at nose. The characteristics for Lwow airfield, red-white-red strips painted on the underside of the elevator seen at bottom picture are interesting, 15 ‘Above: Group of pilots photographed at front of the LVG C.VI 1574/18 during Gen. Konarzewski's inspection of the 12th EW squadron, Kisielewicze near Bobrujsk airfield, Aircraft in original German two-tone violet and green camouflage, characteristic for this production batch. Left: Close up of original 3 BEM Left: Fragment from aircraft painted badge. original German poster Known airplanes with this i . printed before the war. It badge included: Albatros isvery probably that was Bil, Albatros CM; VG CVs used as a O5OL school LVG CM, and AEG C.V. Toru badge. Unfortunately 8 we don't known the story. ‘Above: The LMG 08/15 was builtin the Spandau arsenal and was the standard fixed, forward-fring gun for two-seater aircraft and fighters. It was an air-cooled version of the water-cooled German infantry machine gun; the stock, grip, and bipod were also removed and a synchronizing cable fitted. 16 ‘Above: Three aircraft photographed inside the OSOL Toruri hangar. At front LVG CVI Polish no. $50/18 with hand painted camouflage at fuselage, next LVG CVI 1505/18 with mount for photo camera at the side of the fuselage and last Breguet XIV B2, Polish no. 10.47 with similar mount at side of the fuselage. (Piotr Mrozowski) ‘Above: LVG CV 2228 /17 (work no. 31122) '4’named ‘Mania’ Ema’. (Piotr Mrozowski) Above: LVG C.V Polish no. 9.5 from 12 Eskadra Wywiadowcza (reconnaissance squadron) with beautiful individual lizard badge. Aircraft from batch of 12th machines mounted in CWL from parts delivered from Poznat in 1920. All aircraft in this batch (CWL no: 9.1 to 9.12) are adopted to mount an Austro-Daimler (225 hp) engine. Fuselages camouflaged green from the top and blue from bottom, and wings CDL. The crew pilot ~ Staff Sgt. Antoni Katarzynski and observer Ensign Kazimierz Szczepanski, photographed during the Battle of Warsaw 1920. Note. Observer has a Lewis-Darne machiné gun. (Piotr Mrozowski) Right: Pilots and mechanics from 12 Eskadra Wywiadowcza photographed at front of the LVG CV95 aircraft. Sieklerki/near Warsaw airfield, August 1920. (Piotr Mrozowski) 18 ‘Above: VG C.VI 550/18 photographed after arrival from tawica to the OSOL Torur. Fuselage camouflaged with hand painted lozenges, wings with printed dark from the top and light pattem from the bottom. Light yellow tapes at ribs. ‘Note: The red or black painted wheels and legs, also interesting are the Palmer Cord Aero Tyres. Below: Group of pilots photographed at front of the LVG C.VI 550/18 after Virtuti Militari cross (Polish highest military ‘order) decoration. From left: Lance Sergent Jézef Burnagel; Sergeant pilot Waclaw Wariczura; Sergent pilot Franciszek Praybylski; F/O pilot Witold Rutkowski; F/O pilot Stanislaw Jakubowski; F/L pilot Franciszek Jach; lying) Warrant Officer Pawel Senecki; Sergeant pilot J6zef Zuromski; Warrant Officer Wladyslaw Dittmer; Sergent pilot Wojciech Wieczorek; unk. 19 Below: Pilot Flying Lieutenant Franciszek Jach (at left freshly decorated with the Virtuti Militar cross, photographed in front of LVG C.VI $50/18’Stefa' from OSOL Torus\ in 1921. — ee Above & Facing Page: LVG CVI Polish no. 550/18 (German number unknown) named'Stefa' (the name is seen painted at nose under the propeller) from OSOL Toru, photographed with a group of pilots. Note the lozenge camouflage painted ‘on the fuselage. Close inspection of original photographs suggest that colors are similar to the printed lozenge fabric covering. A similar camouflaged aircraft is seen in Latvian Al Force LVG CVI no. 9014/18'24: The swastika at this time was ‘a personal badge and lucky symbol of the flying instructor pilot Wladyslaw Dittmer who had 40 combat sorties from the ‘Warsaw Battle in August 1920 to the end of war with Toruriska Eskadra Wywiadowcza, Note: The Lewis machine gun is mounted at the gunner’ ring. (Piotr Mrozowski) ‘Above: Crashed LVG.C\ Polish no.211/17 from 3rd Eskadra Wielkopolska The aircraft mounted in Poznaf tawica with interesting three tone green, brown, and yellowish (sand) camouflage. Note: StajaLotnicza Poznasi tawica. Tel 425" information was painted infront ofthe fuselage chessboard. (Piotr Mrozowski) Below: Group of armen from Ist Eskadra Wielkopolska (12th EW) just before a combat mission, photographed near LVG CV 15948 /17 (wk 33248)'S' named’ Halk Hureczko n/Przemyél airfield, 18 March 1919, Aircraft in original German, two- tone, violet-green camouflage, Note:The gts name was painted at propeller boss and small CSL () logo was painted at nose. The dynamo mounts seen at undercarriage leg. (Piotr Mrozowski) Polish LVG C.V & C.VI 21 Fete Ens LVG C.V 2228/17 Maria Ema 12 Eskadra Wywiadowcz Kakenkowicze Aerodrome September 1919 LVG CV 15917/17 ‘st Eskadra Wielkopolska Przemysl Aerodrome April 1919 LVG CMI 1505/18 7th Eskadra Lotnicza Lwow Aerodrome 1919 22, ‘Above: Captured Ukrainian LVG CIP (passenger version) adopted by Polish Aviation, Here photographed after crash in IL Pilots School in Krakow in Autumn 1919. Piotr Mrozowski) Page 407 Top: Antoni Katarzyriski during the Great War was a pilot in German FAA 218 in which he had about 350 fights \with about one third combat missions. During the Polish-Russian War, until his brave death, he had nearly 50 combat missions. He was recommended for the Virtut/ Militari and Krzyz Walecznych but he did not receive any Polish Military decorations. We can read in his citations for the recommendation: "He does not know what fatigue is, constantly over the ‘enemy lines with courage, bravado, performs the most difficult tasks. LVG CV 9495/18 II Repair Depot Lwow Aerodrome 23 the crash with slight injuries. The pilot (instructor) wears the combat decorations Gapa - Field Combat Pilot Badge - and. Virtuti Miliat cross. (Piotr Mrozowski) LG CMI Deutsche Luft-Reederei #30 postwar. Above: The LVG C.VI was 2 more compact design derived from the LVG CV and powered by a 220 hp Benz Bz.Va. It was the last LVG combat type to go into producti 1. Photographed during type-testing at Adlershof in February 1918, the obsolete ear radiators were fitted solely to expedite fight tests. (Peter M. Grosz Collectior/SDTB) the LVG C.V in large-scale production, design of the LVG C.VI was started in August 1917, and Idflieg approved the project for prototype construction in October 1917 when it ordered three prototypes. By 5 January 1918 the C.VI was in final assembly and the first flight was later that month. The C.VI passed its type-test in early February and the first production order was given in March. The first production aircraft were modified in June 1918 before being shipped to the front to correct minor issues, with the most important being replacement of a weak lift-cable bolt with a stronger bolt. Despite that delay, by the end of June 1918 173 C.VI aircraft ‘were at the front. Like the LVG C.V and its DFW CV predecessor, the LVG C.VI was a short-range reconnaissance ‘two-seater with synchronized gun for the pilot and a flexible gun for the observer seated in the rear cockpit. All three types used similar structural materials and technology and all used the same basic Benz Bz.IV six-cylinder engine, although later versions of the engine gave somewhat more power due to continued development. The LVG C.V had been a more elegant, streamlined development of the DFW by the same designer, who had been hired away from DFW by LVG. Sabersky, the designer of all three types, took a similar direction with the C.VI. The C.VI was slightly smaller than the C.V and, combined with even more structural refinement, therefore lighter. Sabersky also worked on improving streamlining, although the C.VI with its rounded nose did not look as streamlined as the elegant C.V with its spinner. Despite appearances, elimination of the spinner in favor of the rounded nose had proven to reduce drag in wind-tunnel testing, and these results were also ‘used to advantage by Rumpler among others. ‘The smaller, lighter LVG C.VI was faster and more maneuverable than the C.V and also offered better climb and ceiling. The specifications table, with data taken from inconsistent sources of varying reliability, unfortunately does not reflect the improved performance of the C.VI compared to the C.V. However, actual combat experience did confirm the superiority of the C.VI. Like the earlier DFW CV and LVG Cv, the LVG C.VI was well- liked by its crews for its robust reliability, excellent handling and maneuverability, and good all-around performance. The LVG C.VI was not surpassed in its role until advent of the Halberstadt C.V that was regarded as the best aircraft in its class. ‘The C.VI was built in large numbers and 392 ‘were serving or in storage in 1920 even after many ‘were turned over to the Allies. That, combined with its reliability and good performance, ensured a successful post-war career. ‘Above: Another view of prototype LVG CVI 14400/17 during type-testing at Adlershof in February 1918, Teves & Braun developed an airfoil radiator for production CMI aircraft. Elimination of the spinner used on the CV and its replacement bya rounded nose gave the Ca less elegant, more purposeful appearance. Peter M. Grosz Collection/SDTB) ‘Above: LVG C.V1 4806/18 at the front with tactical number’6' applied. The observer had a captured Lewis machine gun, and recognition streamers are attached to the lower wing. Production LVG CMI aircraft had an airfoil radiator in the upper wing center section instead of a leading edge radiator like the C.V. Peter M. Grosz Collection/SDTB) 26 ‘Above: Last-minute instructions are given to the crew of LVG CVI 1728/18 before its mission. The canister above the radiator condenser indicates a cooling system problem eliminated on later aircraft. The observer has a flare gun and a good supply of fares.(Peter M. Grosz Collection/SDT8) Below: Colorfully-marked LVG CVI 4891/18 of an unidentified unit. The box mounted on the side of the observer's cockpit was a unit modification to hold hand grenades, either the Wurfgranate 15 (throwing grenade) or fimaus (infantry mouse, aso known as the Fliegermaus), or flares. (Peter M. Grosz Collection/SDTB) az ‘Above: LVG CM 1563/18 (work number 4013) illustrates the LVG-developed integral machine gun ring which produced less drag than the previous LVG gun ring copied from the Scarffring. This CVI has the fuselage camouflaged in two hazy colors thisis seen on other early production CVI aircraft anditlooks remarkably like the camouflage on the CI prototype. (Peter M. Grosz Collection/SDTB) Below: LVG C.VI with a checkerboard marking and number 12 on the fin. The light rectangle below the cockpit was a Cellon-covered case containing the rigging instructions. (Peter M. Grosz Collection/SDTB) Above: LVG C.VI 1562/18 (works number 4012) wears ‘an unusual camouflage scheme. (Peter M. Grosz Collection/SOTB) Left: Detall ofthe wing camouflage of LVG CMI 1562/18. Facing Page, Above: VG CI1562/18 with crew Uffz. Friedemayer and Lt Kuchenthal. The original fuselage insignia has been reduced in size and the alrfol radiator in the center section is clearly visible. Facing Page, Below: Close up of the camouflage applied to LVG CVI 1562/18. ‘Above: LVG C.VI 3976/18 carries a two-color fuselage band and late 1918 insignia. The unit is unknown. Visible changes from the LVG CV to CM included deletion of the spinner and replacement by a streamlined nose, replacement of the leading edge radiator with centrally-mounted airfoil radiator, elimination of hom-balanced ailerons, an angular cut-out in the upper wing trailing edge, modified cabane structure, and a generally chunkier appearance. The observer's gun ring ‘was also lower and less prominent. Right: Close up of the ‘camouflage applied to LVG CViwork number 4012. This is the fin from LVG CMI 1562/18, 32 LVG C.VI LVG C.VI 1589/18 of FILAbt(A) 286b in the Summer/Fall of 1918. LVG CVI 4806/18, unit unknown, Summer/Fall 1918, Note the observer's Lewis gun and the vertical exhaust. LVG C.V1 4891/18, unit unknown, Summer/Fall 1918, Fuselage cross is ahead of usual position, and the serial number has been re-applied forward of it sans“LVG C.VI" and year, LVG C.VI 33 LVG C.VI with checkerboard marking, unit unknown, Summer/Fall 1918. LVG C.VI 3976/17, unit unknown, Summer/Fall 1918, LVG C.VI 1563/18, unit unknown. Camouflage appears factory-applied as stencils can be seen over both colors. Ha ae a Fath ; faim (exe ‘Above: Unidentified LVG CMI with a white'V' marking on the fin; the unitis unknown. A DFW CW is in the background. Facing Page: Franz und Emil with their LVG CVI XX73/18 of an unknown unit. ‘Above: LVG C.VI 7766/18 tactical no. 1 on a home visit. (Greg VanWyngarden) ‘Above: The observer has a rack of flares and the crew of VG C.V1 1669/18 is ready for their next mission. (Reinhard Zankl) Below: LVG C.V1 7640/18 photographed on the factory airfield. ‘Above: LVG CI of F. Abt. 19. The observer standing on the right is Ltc.A. Hans Weichold: the pilot remains unknown, Just to the left of the pilot's head you can see 2 white “point” This is the leading point of a three- pointed Mercedes Star, the insignia of F. Abt. 19. The white number"4" appears on thefuselage ahead of the cross. Right: The observer in CVI 1674/18 is Hotm. Eduard Wimmer, commander of Bavarian Fl. Abt. 48 (FA 48b), He is actually taking on two cages with carrier pigeons (Brieftauben). (Reinhard Zaki) ‘Above: A typical LVG CVI waits for its next flight. The seria is not quite legible against the dark-stained fuselage. The interplane struts are made of wood to conserve steel tube and wrapped with fabric to prevent splintering. ‘Aboves LVG CMI 120X4/18 (work number 5105) heads a lineup of LVG CV and CI alrcraft thought tobe the final wartime production batch from LVG In October 1918. Behind itis a CV, offering an opportunity to compare nose contours. an ‘Above: These two LVG CVI aircraft carry slightly different styles of national insignia on thei fuselages. The aircraft in the foreground displays light colored rb tapes over its camouflage fabric on its wings. The aircraft are unarmed and the full ‘winter’ cowling is fitted to each, \e crew of LVG CVI 7715/18 (work number 4672) is ready to go. The aircraft may be in postwar communications service. The wheels being uncovered is unusual. It has a JC Spinn and Sohn exhaust stack. ‘Above & Below: LVG C.VI 9027/18 (2) work number 4938 photographed at Trier on January 3, 1919. The aircraft had been turned over to American troops in compliance with the Armistice conditions. The upper photo shows the basic factory finish of stained wood fuselage and wings covered with hexagonal camouflage fabric with light rib tapes. The lower photo confirms the scheme and shows the camouflage fabric also covered the tailplane. The photo of the rear of the aircraft confirms the care the design team took to minimize frontal area and thus drag. 41 ‘Above: Light-colored LVG CVI 7154/18 f photographed at Breslau in 1919; a Halberstadt C.V heads thellineup at left 42 ‘Above: |VG CM at the LVG factory at Johannisthal had the block radiator associated with the 230 hp Hiero and may have been the 08.100 tes aircraft but fr trials fr the Austro-Hungarian Luftfahrtruppen. In early 1918 the Austro-Hungarian Lufttahrtruppen planned to purchase 50 LVG CVI biplanes to ensure the supply of quality reconnaissance aircraft. Built completely of wood, the LVG C.VI was a candidate for license production. On 27 March a 230 hp Hiero was shipped to LVG at Johannisthal for installation in an LVG CV apparently CVI 3978/18 was used as that aircraft was on a 1919 inventory of Luftfahreruppen aircraft. Flight tests were completed satisfactorily by 14 April, An order for SO LVG CM aircraft on 27 July .was approved subject to a performance comparison with the UFAG C.l and Phénix C1. The Phénix Cl won the comparison and the order for the LFG CM aircraft was cancelled on 31 August. Facing Page: Photographs of a captured LVG CVI arranged into a British recognition poster. Below: Postwar photos of an LVG CM in Latvian service, ‘Above: Unidentified LVG CM and crew. There is a dark number'2’on the nose. (Greg VanWyngarden) Below: LVG CVI with'H’ marking, The crew and unit are unknown. (Greg VanWyngarden) 45 Right: VG CMI with’ marking as shown on the facing page. This sa detal of the'H marking and flare rack. (Greg VanWyngarden) ‘Above: LVG C.VI with‘H marking as shown on the facing page. This isa detail ofthe barograph box. (Greg VanWyngarden) ‘Above: The crew of the LVG CVI with H' marking as shown on the facing page. (Greg VanWyngarden) 46 LVG C.V & C.VI LVG CV 1026/18 of Flieger Abteilung (A) 287b, Lt. Wittmann, observer, Malmalson Aerodrome, Spring 1918. Note reworked cross. LVG CMI of Flieger Abteilung 19. The three- pointed ‘Mercedes’ star was the unit insignia. LVG C.VI of Flieger Abteilung (A) 278s flown by Vzfw. Joseph Gawlik and Lt. Heckefileitner, downed by Adj. Raymond Vanier of Spa 57 on 19 July 1918, LVG C.VI a7 LVG C.VI 1562/18 of Uffz. Friedemayer and Lt. Kuchenthal, unit unknown. LVG C.VI'2; unit unknown. LVG C.VI'H; unit unknown, 48 This Page & Facing Page, Top Four Photos: [VG CMI of Saxon FA(A) 278 was downed on 19 July 1918; Lt Heckenletner, observer, was taken POW; the plot, Vfv. Joseph Gawlik, was KIA, dying of his wounds. They were brought down by Adj Raymond Vanier of SPA 57 at Cuperly. A video was made of the occasion and many screen captures are reproduced here. ‘Adj Vanier is shown in the mile left photo on the facing page. (Greg VanWyngarden) Below: Partially dismantled LVGC.MI number 5 photographed postwar. Itis in American possession, probably at Romorantin. The mud guards on the wheels Indicate it was used for training, 50 Above & Below: VG CMI of Fl. Abt. 19, Ltd. Hans ‘Weichold on right in photo above and at left in photo below. (Greg VanWyngarden) ‘Above: Crew with their LVG C.vI (Greg VanWyngarden) Right: LVG CMI 7712/18 of Bavatian Fl. Abt. (A) 199b, after a bad landing. (Greg \VanWyngarden) at Lefts Another view of LVG (CMI7712/18 of Bavarian Fl Abt. (A) 199b, after a bad landing. The intact propeller Indicates the engine was not running during the landing; was engine fallure the source of the accident? (Greg VanWyngarden) Right: After a bad landing, the salvage crew arrives to retrieve LVG CVI 7712/18 of Bavarian Fl. Abt. (A) 199b. (Greg VanWyngarden) 52 Above: Unarmed LVG CV with engine running. (Greg VanWyngarden) Right: LVG CVI 8945/18 at Trier postwar. (Greg VanWyngarden) Facing Page, Top: LYG CV on a home visit draws an admiring crowd. (Greg VanWyngarden) Facing Page, Middle & Right: LVG CVI of Marine Shusta I Crew with crashed CM in middle, CV no. IN at right with pilot Rudolf Heimer (Greg VariW/yngarden) Se Ss = ‘Above: LVG C.VI crashed in the snow with the crew inside. (Greg VanWyngarden) ‘Above: LVG C.VI observer and gun. (Greg VanWyngarden) 54 ‘Above: LVG C.VI at Trier postwar. (Greg VanWyngarden) ra i _” _ 3 ‘Above: LVG C.VI 8945/18 in US hands at Trier postwar. (Greg VanWyngarden) ‘Above: LVG C.VI 8945/18 in US hands at Trier postwar. (Greg VanWyngarden) 56 ‘Above: Postwar a number of countries introduced the LVG CMI into thelrair services. Above a Belgian example has ‘crashed. Note the modified leading edge radiator fitted in place of the standard production airfoil radiator. WUE 182 Bn PUT dain

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