The Albatros C.III was a twin-seat general-purpose biplane designed and produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Albatros Flugzeugwerke. It was produced in greater numbers than any other C-type aircraft by Albatros as well as being the company's most-produced twin-seat aircraft.

The C.III was developed during 1915 as a refined and slightly smaller derivative of the successful Albatros C.I. The two aircraft shared similar construction and numerous features, the most distinct visual difference being its redesigned empennage, being both more rounded and lower than that of the C.I. As a result, the C.III was more responsive and agile, both being beneficial traits in aerial combat. Typically, both the observer and pilot were provisioned with machine guns, although the gun synchronizer for the pilot's forward-firing guns often malfunctioned and resulted in propeller damage. Up to 90 kg (200 lb) of bombs could also be carried, although the lack of a bombsight greatly hindered their effective use on the battlefield. For coordination with ground forces, a radio set could optionally be installed.

The Luftstreitkräfte first deployed the C.III on the Western Front during December 1915; it quickly deployed the type in a variety of roles beyond aerial reconnaissance, including as a light bomber and a bomber escort. The aircraft was produced by numerous manufacturers, enabling it to become available in quantity rather quickly. By mid-1917, the C.III was mainly being used as a trainer aircraft, a task which it was well-suited to on account of its favourable flying characteristics, natural stability, and availability. It remained in Luftstreitkräfte service through to the Armistice of 11 November 1918. Various other nations acquired their own C.IIIs, leading to its use by the Polish Air Force, Bulgarian Air Force, and Ottoman Air Force amongst others. Small batches were also produced during the 1920s.

Design

The C.III has its origins in the Albatros C.I, being directly derived from it and being a slightly more compact aircraft. The rudder was noticeably more rounded than that of the C.I.

The fuselage of the C.III was, akin to the C.I and B.II, was primarily composed of plywood. This construction proved to be fairly capable of absorbing damage, which made it somewhat difficult to shoot down in combat. The wings were covered with fabric and had a wooden structure, aside from the steel tubing used for the flight control surfaces.

German authorities enthusiastically received the C.III; cumulative orders for 2,271 aircraft were placed for the type.

Operational history

thumb|A C.III in flight over the [[Balkans in March 1918]]

The first of the Luftstreitkräftes C.IIIs arrived at the Western Front during December 1915.

By mid-1917, the C.III had mostly been withdrawn from frontline service with the Luftstreitkräfte, although deliveries of the type were still underway by this point; the aircraft having been relegated to secondary duties, mostly to training units. As such, it remained in service until the Armistice of 11 November 1918 that ended the conflict.

In the aftermath of the First World War, the Polish Air Force operated around 15 C.III for a time. These saw active combat during the Polish-Soviet War.

Between 1926 and 1927, two Mercedes D.III engined copies were built from saved parts and components of the destroyed aircraft by Bulgarian state aircraft workshops DAR as the DAR 2 for use as trainers. According to the military historian Dimitar Nedialkov, twelve DAR 2s were built (at least nine are confirmed by a photograph). Three C.IIIs were built in 1927-1928 at Lithuanian Karo Aviacijos dirbtuvės (Military Aviation Workshop) in Kaunas.

Variants

right|thumb|The W.2 derived directly from the C.III

Data from Gray

;W.2: Seaplane variant with twin floats, modified Mercedes D.II installation, revised cabane strut and a much larger fin. Parabellum MG14 machine gun in observer's cockpit. Only one produced, delivered in June 1916.

Operators

;

  • Bulgarian Air Force (including DAR-2)

;

  • Finnish Air Force

;

  • Luftstreitkräfte
  • Marine Flieger-Abteilung

thumb|A Turkish C.III

;

  • Lithuanian Air Force (12 bought and 3 built)

;

  • Polish Air Force (15 used)

;

  • Austro-Hungarian Air Force

Specifications (C.III)

thumb|Albatros C.III German World War 1 reconnaissance and training biplane drawing