The C.IV was totally different from Ago's earlier reconnaissance aircraft, being a tractor-engined two-seater with a conventional cross-axle landing gear and distinctively tapered biplane wings. Power was provided by a 220hp Benz Bz.IV engine driving a two-blade propeller fitted with a spinner. Armament comprised a forward-firing Spandau and a rear-mounted Parabellum machine-gun. Great care had been taken to give the observer the best possible field of fire. Only about 70 production aircraft became operational from early 1917, although large orders had been placed with three manufacturers. In service the C.IV proved fast but unstable and was not popular with crews.