A.E.G. C.III from the Back Left
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The A.E.G. C.III was an experimental aircraft, in which the fuselage filled the entire gap between the two wings.
The aim of the design was to improve the forward visibility for the crew, who could now look directly over the top of the upper wing. The crew positions were reversed, with the pilot at the back and the observer and his machine gun at the front.
The C.III was a two-bay biplane, with four separate wing structures (rather than having full span structures). The tail was similar to that of the A.E.G. C.II, with a triangular shaped vertical structure with a large rudder and fixed fin. It had a slightly larger wing span than the more conventional C.II, but was nearly two feet shorter. Despite being heavier than the C.II and using the same 150hp engine it was 12.5mph faster.
The C.III didn't enter production and instead work moved onto the A.E.G. C.IV, an improved version of the more conventional A.E.G. C.II. The C.IV was larger but lighter than the C.III, and had a similar top speed.
Engine: Benz Bz.III
Power: 150hp
Crew: 2
Span: 39ft 4 1/4in
Length: 21ft 4in
Empty weight: 1,511.4lb
Loaded weight: 2,721lb
Max speed: 98.75mph