DFW C.V

The strong and lightweight fuselage was achieved through a layered monocoque construction of veneer strips reinforced with fabric; the sides and bottom were also glued from veneer – this made it possible to dispense with the scarce plywood. The aerodynamically refined fuselage housed a Benz Bz IV or Bz IVa engine with an increased compression ratio, allowing operations at an altitude of 5,000 m, which was out of reach for many fighters. DFW C.V aircraft were produced between 1916 and 1918 at the parent factory as well as under licence at the Aviatik, LVG and Halberstadt plants. The total production in the 1916-1918 period is not known, although estimates suggest approximately 3,250 examples. DFW C.V aircraft were used for reconnaissance, observation, liaison and photographic intelligence. They flew on the Western Front, in Italy, Macedonia, Palestine and the Eastern Front. Everywhere they were regarded as excellent machines.

Towards the end of the war they were used as training aircraft. After the war ended, several surviving machines, after overhaul, were transferred to the civilian airline Deutsche-Luft-Rederei. In Poland, after regaining independence, 63 machines were operated. They came from war spoils and purchases. Due to their handling qualities and sturdy construction, they enjoyed a good reputation among Polish pilots, although the high-compression engines caused problems. During the Polish-Soviet War, these aircraft were used for combat missions. Besides squadrons, DFW C.V aircraft were also in service with, among others, the Advanced Pilots’ School in Poznan and the Officers’ School of Aerial Observers in Torun. As training machines, they flew until 1923.