L.V.G. Reconnaissance Scouts

LVG CII

The L.V.G. C II was a development of the B II except that the seats of observer and pilot were switched so that the observer/gunner occupied the rear position. This was to be the standard configuration for most two-seaters as it gave the rear gunner a good field of fire to the sides and rear while maintaining a good field of view below. The CII was designed as a reconniassance scout, and it fulfilled the role adequately. The fuel tank and the radiator were rather exposed, but armour plating was not used in any airplane then. The CII first flew in 1915.

Technical Details
The engines was a 120kW Mercedes D III in-line model. I powered the CII to a speed of 130km/h. It had an operational ceiling of 5030m and an excellent endurance of four hours. It was armed with one or two 7.7 mm machine guns (depending on the role and the year) and could carry 132 lbs (60 kg) of bombs.

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Image From: R. Rimmell. The German Army Air Service in World War I. Arms and Armour Press. 1985. Permission to be requested.