Gotha B.I and B.II

The Gotha type B.I and B.II aircraft were training and reconnaissance aircraft built for the German army before the company produced predominantly bombers during the war.

 

Development and construction:

The Gothaer Waggonfabrik began with the production of airships already in the year 1909, the production of airplanes followed in the year 1912. Initially monoplanes were built as prototypes. When the German army announced the requirements for airplanes to build up an air force, in 1913 the aircraft construction department was founded.

Like most other aircraft of that time, the design was based on the Etrich Taube (Rumpler Taube), but already in April 1913, the LE 2 was the first in-house development can be presented. From 1914, the first biplane under the name LD 4 and LD 5 were built.

The military use of the Gotha aircraft took place with the biplane LD 7, which was used as a reconnaissance aircraft by the German army.

 

 

 

 

 

Use in the First World War:

The reconnaissance aircraft Gotha B.I was used until the end of 1915 on the western front by the German army.

With the advent of the first fighters, the weaknesses in the lack of armament and the bad armor were shown, so that the aircraft was withdrawn from the front by the end of the year.

The Gotha B.II was already planned for its introduction as a training aircraft, since this had as well as its predecessor model no armament or sufficient armor.

 

 

 

Technical specifications:

Designation:	Gotha B.I
Country:	German Empire
Typ:	Reconnaissance plane
Length:	8,4 meters
Span:	12,4 meters
Height:	3 meters
Mass:	725kg empty
Crew:	Max. 2
Engine:	Water-cooled 6-cylinder in-line engine Mercedes D.II, 120PS
Maximum speed:	125 km/h
Reach:	530 kilometers
Armament:	none

 

 

 

Designation:	Gotha B.II
Country:	German Empire
Typ:	Training aircraft
Length:	7,25 meters
Span:	14,5 meters
Height:	3,45 meters
Mass:	525kg empty
Crew:	Max. 2
Engine:	Oberursel U.I circulating engine, 100PS
Maximum speed:	115 km/h
Reach:	unknown
Armament:	none

 

 

 

 

 

You can find the right literature here:

 

Fokker Dr I Aces of World War 1 (Aircraft of the Aces)

Undoubtedly the most famous fighter type to see service on either side during World War 1, the Fokker Dr I was a revelation when it entered service on the western front in 1917. Manfred von Richthofen’s JG 1 ‘circus’ was the first Jasta to completely re-equip with the new fighter, and in the skilled hands of its numerous aces the Dr I proved a formidable opponent. The Dr I remained in service on the Western Front until replaced by the superior Fokker D VII in May 1918. Just weeks prior to that, however, Germany’s leading ace, the great ‘Red Baron’, had been killed at the controls of a Dr I.

Click here!

 

 

Friedrichshafen Aircraft of WWI: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes (Great War Aviation) (Volume 21)

This book describes and illustrates the development of Friedrichshafen aircraft of WWI with text, 540 photos, 18 in color, 37 color profiles, production quantities and serial numbers of aircraft, and aircraft dimensions and performance specifications. In addition, there are 26 official SVK drawings and 11 aircraft are illustrated in scale drawings to 1/48 (4) or 1/72 (7) scales. The book has 312 pages and is of interest to aviation historians, enthusiasts, and modelers alike.

Click here!

 

 

German and Austro-Hungarian Aircraft Manufacturers 1908-1918

Much has been written about the British aircraft of the First World War, but little has surfaced about the aircraft of the Axis powers, Germany and Austria. Here, Terry C. Treadwell tells the story of the aircraft from companies such as Fokker, builder of the famous triplane, as fl own by Baron von Richthofen's Flying Circus, AEG, Albatros, Junkers and Hansa. From reconnaissance aircraft to state-of-the-art bombers that could reach London, this is the definitive guide to aircraft of the Axis powers during the First World War. The aircraft are explained in detail and a history of each company is provided, making this an excellent source book for aircraft enthusiasts, model makers and those interested in the air war over the trenches of France and Belgium, as well as further afield in the Italian campaign.

Click here!

 

 

The Zeppelin in Combat: A History of the German Naval Airship Division

The standard reference now revised and expanded. Dr. Robinson has opened up his vast photo archives to enhance this new edition of his classic work. Much of the new photographic material is published here for the first time.

Click here!

 

 

 

 

 

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