The Rumpler C.IV, along with the DFW C.V and LVG C.V, was one of the more important aircraft of the German Air Service in WWI. The Rumpler C.IV was a two-seat aircraft, designed for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and occasionally light bombing. It was able to reach ceilings higher than intercepting Allied fighters allowing it to reach far behind Allied lines without losses, but was not very maneuverable. Aileron control forces were heavy and it was slow to respond. Crews were warned not to attempt any turn until reaching full speed and at least 500 meters AGL. Early version suffered from a structurally weak rear fuselage until later versions reinforced it with plywood sheeting.
Nevertheless, crews appreciated the aircraft because it was relatively invulnerable to interception, had long range and high speed for the time.
It was produced with three different engines. The most numerous was the 260hp Daimler-Mercedes D.IVa, which had an unusual installation of a pronounced tilt to the right.
Beginning in 1916 through to July 1918, an approximate total of 1150 were ordered from Rumpler, and licensed contractors Bayerisch Rumpler Werke and Pfalz.
Nevertheless, crews appreciated the aircraft because it was relatively invulnerable to interception, had long range and high speed for the time.
It was produced with three different engines. The most numerous was the 260hp Daimler-Mercedes D.IVa, which had an unusual installation of a pronounced tilt to the right.
Beginning in 1916 through to July 1918, an approximate total of 1150 were ordered from Rumpler, and licensed contractors Bayerisch Rumpler Werke and Pfalz.
