The C.VIII variant was developed with the intention of providing an operational trainer for aircrews nearing the end of their training with particular emphasis on the observers' curriculum of gunnery, observation, radio and photography. The aircraft was close to standards applicable to full military operation but could also be operated economically.
A strategic need for improved and intensified training in connection with an ultimate offensive on theWestern Front in March 1918 existed. To facilitate this higher standard of training, the C.VIII was introduced towards the end of 1917 with theFlieger Ersatz Abteilungen, i.e. Flying Training Units.
TheFinnish Air Force ordered one aircraft in February 1918. It was used by the FinnishWhite army as a reconnaissance aircraft. The aircraft remained inFinnish Air Force use until 1924.
TheDutch Air Force ordered 40 aircraft in 1918. The aircraft were traded, for among other, 5000 horses. The aircraft were used only briefly, because of a number of fires in the aircraft.
^Gray, Peter; Thetford, Owen (1970).German Aircraft of the First World War (2nd ed.). London: Putnam. pp. 206–208.ISBN0-370-00103-6.
^Keskinen, Kalevi; Partonen, Kyösti; Stenman, Kari (2005).Suomen Ilmavoimat I 1918-27 (in Finnish). Helsinki: Kustannusliike Kari Stenman.ISBN952-99432-2-9.
Herris, Jack (2014).Rumpler Aircraft of WWI: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes. Great War Aviation Centennial Series. Vol. 11. n.p.: Aeronaut Books.ISBN978-1-935881-21-6.
Keskinen, Kalevi; Stenman, Kari; Niska, Klaus (1976).Suomen ilmavoimien lentokoneet 1918-1939 (in Finnish). Helsinki: Tietoteos.