in the Albatros C.III which became the most prolific of the Albatros C-types. Operational history The Albatros C.I began to reach units at the front at the end of April 1915, serving in reconnaissance, artillery spotting, bombing and photography roles. The type proved successful, with its good performance, easy handling and robust construction making it popular with its crews. Its effective armament also resulted in the C.I used as a fighter aircraft - Oswald Boelcke claimed his first victory while flying a C.I with Lt. von Wühlisch as the gunner. Germany's most famous World War I aviator, Manfred von Richthofen, also began his career as an observer in the C.I on the Eastern Front. Through the rest of 1915, the C.I was one of the most numerous C-type aircraft of the front, with 228 aircraft in service at the end of the year, 42% of the total strength of C-type aircraft. The type was phased out over the Western Front during 1916, replaced by the Albatros C.III, but continued in service over the Russian Front well into 1917. The C.I's viceless handling made it a successful trainer, being used to both to train the crews of observation aircraft and, with dual controls, as a pilot trainer, and it remained in use until the end of the war. Variants C.I Two-seat reconnaissance aircraft. First production version. C.Ia Improved version powered by more powerful Argus As III engine, built by BFW and by LFG C.Ib Dual-control training version built by Mercur Flugzeugbau. C.If C.Ifd C.I-V Experimental aircraft. One built. Operators Bulgarian Air Force Luftstreitkräfte Lithuanian Air Force operated this type postwar. Polish Air Force operated 49 aircraft postwar. Swedish Air Force (Postwar) Ottoman Air Force Specifications (C.I) See also References Notes Bibliography Angelucci, Enzo. The Rand McNally Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft, 1914-1980. San Diego, California: The Military Press, 1983. . Further reading External links Profile of the plane on page of the Polish Aviation Museum Air-to-air photo dated 1916 at Airliners.net Biplanes Single-engined tractor aircraft 1910s German military reconnaissance aircraft Military aircraft of World War I C.01 Aircraft first flown in 1915