Prior to the outbreak of the
First World War, the German aircraft manufacturer
Aviatik had built up a favourable relationship for its early aircraft. This plate, in conjunction with the first two formers, supported the engine bearers, which were further braced sing steel tubing. The engine was surrounded by curved
aluminium panels, although the cylinder block remained exposed; aluminium sheeting also covered the sides and underside of the nose while the majority of the fuselage was covered by
fabric. The wings were rectangular, covered with fabric, and comprised all-wood construction except for the compression struts, which were made of steel tubing. During 1916, in response to military demands for superior performance, Aviatik developed the improved
C.III. It was a refined C.I, having cleaned up nose contours, a redesigned exhaust manifold, a new
aerofoil-style radiator and an enlarged spinner fitted to the propeller. The wingspan was also reduced along with the chord of the ailerons, the fuel system was improved; however, the airframe was virtually identical to that of the C.I. These changes resulted in the C.III being 18 kmph faster than its predecessor while also improving its forward visibility considerably. ==Variants==