LVG C.VI
One aiworthy reproduction (left the Memorial Flight fleet)
One original being restored
This two-seater reconnaissance and artillery spotting aircraft was designed by Willy Sabresky, hired by LVG : Luftverkehrsgesellschaft (Aero Transport Company) after he resigned from DFW, where he had been responsible for the C V.
No wonder that he designed for his new Company a refinement of the C V: the CVI. PSomewhat lighter and better streamlined, the prototype made its maiden flight in January 1918. The aircraft soon became a favourite with the crews, although it only soldiered for 6 months before the war ended. On the other hand its flattering reputation kept on until the twenties in civilian use. The engine was the 230 HP Benz Bz.IV. The armament was a Parabellum machine gun manned by the observer and a fixed LMG 08/15 Spandau on the right hand side of the engine cowling.
Most of the C.VI that survived were handed over to the allied after the armistice.
The LVG CVI 9041/18
Memorial Flight is currently restoring the original Musée de l'Air's LVG C.VI n° 9041/18.
This restoration, as well as the study of the original aircraft of Brussel's Armed Forces and Military History Museum, Memorial Flight took this fantastic opportunity to build an exact airworthy reproduction LVG C.VI. This reproduction was first completed, using the original aircraft as a pattern. Since then, the restoration is in progress.
The history of n° 9041/18 is unknown. It was obtained through a trade between Brussel's Armed Forces and Military History Museum and the French Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace.
While retsoring the aircraft it was found that it was "sabotaged" (one of the rear fuselage frame was cut in half on purpose). It appears that LVG C.VI n° 9041/18 has never flown.
LVG C.VI n° 9041/18 on display at the Musée de l'Air in Chalais-Meudon in August 1980
The LVG C.VI airworthy reproduction
As no drawings were available, the restoration of the original Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace' aircraft was a unique opportunity to see an LVG C.VI aircraft fly once again.
Memorial Flight decided to build an exact reproduction, copying each part of the original aircraft, one by one. Every detail and characteristic : materials, technics, markings, etc. were accurately reproduced.
Finished as Lt Weymar and Lt Haselhoff's LVG C.VI in September 1918, it flies with an original Benz Bz.IV engine.
The aircraft is now part ot The Vintage Aviator Ltd collection in New-Zealand.
Lt Weymar and Lt Haselhoff boarding their LVG C.VI on September 18th 1918
Building the LVG C.VI reproduction
Restoring LVG C.VI n° 9041/18
Photoscopes
Photoscope
The cockpit.
Photoscope
The observer station.
Photoscope
Covered top wing.
Photoscope
Covered lower wing.
Photoscope
Lower wing before covering.
Photoscope
Stabilizer and elevator.
Photoscope
Ammunition box.
Photoscope
Observer' seat belt.
Photoscope
The radiator.
Photoscope
Benz Bz.IV engine and exhaust.
Pieces of history
Original military serial number
The manufacturer, type and military serial number were painted on each side of the fuselage : LVG C.VI, serial number and year of acceptance: 9041, 1918.
Weights table
All german airplanes had their weight tables painted on the left side of the fuselage. Here is the LVG CVI's weights table.
Control stamps
Control stamp found on the left lower wing main spar.
Photo Album
Videos
LVG C.VI, October 2013: Benz Bz.IV first engine runs (1min52s)
LVG C.VI, June 2014 : Taxiing the LVG C.VI for the first time (2min25s)
LVG C.VI, July 2014: LVG C.VI in flight (engine start, take-off, flight, landing). (3min30s)
LVG C.VI, July 2015: LVG C.VI evening flight (engine start, take-off, flight, landing). (3min28s)
Specifications
Length: 7.45 m
Wingspan: 13 m
Weight: 945 kg
Engine: 1x 230 hp Benz Bz.IV engine
Speed: 170 km/h
Endurance: -
Crew: 2
Armament: 1x .LMG 08/15 "Spandau" machine gun on the left side of the engine + 1x MG14 machine gun on ring mounting