Friedrichshafen G.I and successor aircraft

Already at the end of 1914, a bomber for the German army was developed by the engineer Karl Gehlen with the Friedrichshafen G.I and built as a prototype. Since at that time the technical possibilities were still very limited, only the Friedrichshafen G.III 1917 could assert itself as correct bomber.

 

Development and construction:

The Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen GmbH began with the development and construction of seaplane two years before the war. When the First World War broke out in Europe, the development was switched to aircraft for the German army. Since the zeppelins still used at that time were already outdated and no longer operational, demanded the German army leadership faster replacement in the form of a bomber. Under the direction of engineer Karl Gehlen began thus already at the end of of 1914 the development of the first bomber of the company under the factory name FF30, which was changed later in Friedrichshafen G.I. In May 1915, the first flight of the prototype took place. The aircraft was equipped with two Benz Bz II engines with 150 hp each. Since both the performance of the engines was not sufficient and the bomb load of 150 kg was too low, only a prototype was built.

 

The company only worked on a successor model from 1916 onwards. Under the factory name FF38 a G.I similar bomber was worked, which also again had pressure propellers, but now the more powerful Benz Bz III were installed with 200 hp each. A total of 35 pieces were built by this aircraft, which were also used on the Western Front.

 

1917 then followed the Friedrichshafen G.III, which was built as the first real bomber of the company. Equipped with two 260 hp Mercedes D IVa engines, it was possible to take up to 800 kg of bombs. In the second series of production under the name Friedrichshafen G.IIIa a modified variant was built. This had a slightly larger span and a modified tail. These aircraft were mainly used as night bombers. In order to defend himself against fighter pilots, the tail gunner could also shoot down with his machine gun. In the third series also the pulpit of the pilot was connected to the rear gunner and was referred to as Friedrichshafen G.IIIb. Of all variants, about 1,064 pieces were built.

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of the war the Friedrichshafen G.IV was developed. In this model, the engines were no longer installed as a pressure but as a train propeller. By slight changes had to be reduced for the weight, the shooter disappeared at the bow. Approximately 48 airplanes were still being built, but if they were still brought to the front is unknown.

 

In May 1918, the prototype of a Friedrichshafen G.V was built, equipped with two Maybach Mb.IVa engines. In November 1918, yet another prototype was flown with two Mercedes D IVa engines, but by the end of the war, these aircraft were no longer in production.

 

 

 

Use in the First World War:

At the end of 1916, the first Friedrichshafen G.II bombers were brought to the Western Front and used there.

In 1917 followed the G.III which proved to be reliable and robust. These aircraft were involved in the bombardment of Paris, Dunkirk and some parts of Macedonia. The G.IIIa version was mainly used as a night bomber. For this, the aircraft were specially provided with a dark camouflage paint.

Both G.II and G.III were in use until the end of the war.

 

 

 

Technical specifications:

Designation:	Friedrichshafen G.I
Country:	German Empire
Typ:	Bomber
Length:	11,9 meters
Span:	20 meters
Height:	3,15 meters
Mass:	1.778 kg empty
Crew:	Max. 3
Engine:	Two water-cooled 6-cylinder inline engines Benz Bz II with each 150 hp
Maximum speed:	136 km/h
Reach:	610 kilometers
Armament:	1 x 7,92mm Parabellum LMG 08/15 machine gun and up to 150 kg bombs

 

 

 

Designation:	Friedrichshafen G.II
Country:	German Empire
Typ:	Bomber
Length:	11,05 meters
Span:	20,3 meters
Height:	3,6 meters
Mass:	2.200 kg empty
Crew:	Max. 3
Engine:	two water-cooled 6-cylinder in-line engines Benz Bz III with each 200 hp
Maximum speed:	148 km/h
Reach:	610 kilometers
Armament:	2 x 7,92 mm Parabellum LMG 08/15 machine guns and up to 300 kg bombs

 

 

 

Designation:	Friedrichshafen G.III
Country:	German Empire
Typ:	Bomber
Length:	12,8 meters
Span:	23,7 meters
Height:	4,14 meters
Mass:	2.695 kg empty
Crew:	Max. 3
Engine:	two water-cooled 6-cylinder inline engines Mercedes D IVa with each 260 hp
Maximum speed:	145 km/h
Reach:	600 kilometers
Armament:	2 - 4 x 7,92 mm Parabellum LMG 08/15 machine guns and up to 800 kg bombs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designation:	Friedrichshafen G.IV
Country:	German Empire
Typ:	Bomber
Length:	12 meters
Span:	22,6 meters
Height:	3,5 meters
Mass:	2.897 kg empty
Crew:	Max. 3
Engine:	two water-cooled 6-cylinder inline engines Mercedes D IVa with each 260 hp
Maximum speed:	142 km/h
Reach:	600 kilometers
Armament:	2 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)

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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