Despite the known performance issues with the contemporary production reconnaissance aircraft, (Knoller C.II(Av) among others), development of the C.I was delayed until authorisation was given to proceed on 26 September 1916, when three prototypes were ordered for evaluation.

[1] A relatively conventional aircraft of its day, the C.I followed contemporary practice of a single tractor engine with two cockpits, front for pilot and rear for observer/gunner.

Other issues with photo-reconnaissance aircraft included vibration, causing blurred images, cramped rear cockpit and inability to carry larger cameras than 30 cm (11.8 in) focal length.

[1] To alleviate some performance issues the C.I series 137 was developed, powered by a 149.14 kW (200 hp) Austro-Daimler 200hp, but availability of the engine was limited because it was given priority for fighter aircraft.

[1] Some C.I aircraft were converted to single-seaters, losing 30 kg (66.14 lb) in weight, armed with two synchronised machine-guns in the fuselage, proving popular due to the increased performance.