Page 18 - May 2020
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A.E.G. G.IV
A.E.G. G.IV (CASM-17098) A.E.G. G.IV (CASM-19798)
History:
The Allgemeine Elektrizitäts Gesellschaft (A.E.G.)
G.IV bomber went into general use with the
German Air Force during 1917. Because of its
relatively short range, the G.IV served mainly as a
tactical bomber, and operated close to the front
lines. The G.IV flew both day and night operations,
but, as the war progressed, was restricted
Highlights: increasingly to night missions. A.E.G. units
A German biplane (built by Allgemeine Elektrizitäts operated in France, Romania, Greece, and Italy.
Gesellschaft) used for bombing operations during the Many night operations were nuisance raids with
First World War no specific targets, but with the intention of
Used primarily for short-range nighttime bombing disrupting sleep and perhaps doing some damage.
missions The crew was equipped with electrically heated
suits and the aircraft fitted with radios. The G.IV is
Along with Junkers (another German aircraft the only surviving aircraft displaying the
manufacturing company), A.E.G. pioneered the use of
distinctive German First World War "night
metal rather than wooden construction (the G.IV was
lozenge" camouflage pattern. Although the rear
an early attempt at using metal in larger aircraft)
gunner's cockpit is on the top of the fuselage, his
Displays a distinctive dark geometrical pattern on its position was equipped with a hinged window in
fabric covering, which was designed to camouflage the floor for viewing and fending off pursuing
the aircraft during nighttime raids aircraft.
First flight was in early 1915 (A.E.G. G.I) Current Location:
First World War Exhibition, Canada Aviation and
Space Museum
Provenance: Transfer from Canadian Forces
The Museum’s G.IV is the only surviving multi-
engine German aircraft from the First World War.
It was shipped to Canada as a war trophy in 1919;
A.E.G. G.IV (CASM-19802) A.E.G. G.IV (CASM-17098) over the next forty years its movements were not
well documented and its two 260 hp Mercedes
engines were lost. The aircraft was stored in a
warehouse operated by the Canadian War
Museum in the 1950s. Between 1968 and 1969, it
was restored by No. 6 Repair Depot, RCAF, at
Trenton, and its original engines were replaced
with 160 hp Mercedes engines. It was transferred
A.E.G. G.IV (CASM-19798) A.E.G. G.IV (CASM-19802)
to the Museum in 1970.
