The Gotha G.V was the evolution of the G.IV and should be able to carry more payload of bombs and have a greater range by installing stronger engines.
Development and construction:
The designer Hans Burkhard set in the development of Gotha G.V on the previous model, the Gotha G.IV. There were only changes in the engines, again with the 260 hp Mercedes D IVa were used, but these were slightly modified. In addition, the fuel tanks were no longer mounted by the engines on the wing but integrated in the fuselage. This should reduce the risk of fire in the event of hits or engine overheating.
In the course of production some changes were made, so that there were the Gotha G.V still versions Gotha G.Va and Gotha G.Vb. On these aircraft, the bow was shortened a bit and a biplane Heckleitwerk with double rudders installed to improve the field of fire of the rear shooter.
A total of 325 pieces were built by the Gotha G.V versions.
In the months leading up to the end of the war, both the designer Rösner and the engineer Burkhard developed further Gotha bombers. The Gotha G.VI, G.VII, Gotha G.VIII and the Gotha G.IX hardly differed from the G.V, only other engines and only little technical changes were made. Except for the Gotha G.VII of which a total of eight aircraft were built, the others remained in the status of the prototype. The engineer Burkhard Gotha G.X was the first developed an all-metal aircraft of the Gotha series, which should fly attacks on England by day due to its strong armor again. Due to the capitulation, no other aircraft was built in addition to the prototype.
Gotha G.V
A Gotha G.V is bombed
A machine gun gunner of a Gotha G.V
Use in the First World War:
From the autumn of 1917, the first Gotha G.V were brought to the front and flew until early 1918, together with the Gotha G.IV aircraft attacks on London and the south of England. With the beginning of the German spring offensive from 21 March to 17 July 1918 these were used to support the ground troops.
The Gotha G.V aircraft remain in service until the end of the war.
Technical specifications:
| Designation: | Gotha G.V |
| Country: | German Empire |
| Typ: | Bomber |
| Length: | 12,35 meters |
| Span: | 23,7 meters |
| Height: | 3,9 meters |
| Mass: | 2570 kg empty |
| Crew: | Max. 3 |
| Engine: | two water-cooled 6-cylinder inline engines Mercedes D IVa with each 260 hp |
| Maximum speed: | 140 km/h |
| Reach: | 840 kilometers |
| Armament: | 2 - 3 x 7,92 mm Parabellum LMG 08/15 machine guns and up to 1000 kg bombs |
You can find the right literature here:
Fokker Dr I Aces of World War 1 (Aircraft of the Aces)
Fokker Dr I Aces of World War 1 (Aircraft of the Aces) Paperback – Bargain Price, August 25, 2001
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 Richthofens 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, Germanys leading ace, the great Red Baron, had been killed at the controls of a Dr I.
Friedrichshafen Aircraft of WWI: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes (Great War Aviation) (Volume 21)
Friedrichshafen Aircraft of WWI: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes (Great War Aviation) (Volume 21) Paperback – February 16, 2016
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.
German and Austro-Hungarian Aircraft Manufacturers 1908-1918
German and Austro-Hungarian Aircraft Manufacturers 1908-1918 Paperback – December 15, 2010
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.
The Zeppelin in Combat: A History of the German Naval Airship Division
The Zeppelin in Combat: A History of the German Naval Airship Division Hardcover – January 9, 1997
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.
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