Gotha G.II

The Gotha G.II was the evolution of the G.I, which found its way back under a new designer to the usual characteristics of the former aircraft. Despite some innovations, this bomber could convince little and was used only in small numbers.

 

Development and construction:

In early 1916, the designer Hans Burkhard was recruited by the Halberstadt Flugzeugwerken and commissioned with the development of a successor to the Gotha G.I. This put in the G.II again the lower wing to the fuselage and the upper wing was placed with stems back over the hull. Accordingly, with this construction, the engines could again be set at a greater distance and the chassis adapted.

In response to the demands of the Army Command for a bomber attacking England, the aircraft was equipped with a bomb load of up to 450 Kg bombs and two 220 hp Mercedes D IV engines installed.

After the first flight of the prototype in March 1916, some modifications had to be made, while initially only 10 aircraft should be built. In the summer of 1916, the second demonstration of the revised version followed. This could not fully convince the army command, so that after the order only four more bombers were ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use in the First World War:

Initially intended for bombing British cities, the Gotha G.II bombers were relocated to the Balkans for deployment and should be deployed there.

From October 1916, three to four bombers were deployed at the front. However, since the built-in engines tended to fractures, these bombers were used only until April 1917 and then withdrawn from the front.

 

 

 

Technical specifications:

Designation:	Gotha G.II
Country:	German Empire
Typ:	Bomber
Length:	12,4 meters
Span:	23,7 meters
Height:	4,3 meters
Mass:	2182 kg empty
Crew:	Max. 3
Engine:	two eight-cylinder in-line engines Mercedes D IV with each 220 hp
Maximum speed:	148 km/h
Reach:	700 kilometers
Armament:	2 x 7,92 mm Parabellum LMG 08/15 machine guns and up to 450 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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