The Gotha G.IV was the first bomber of the company Gothaer Waggonfabrik, which was produced in larger quantities and had first carried out attacks on England.
Development and construction:
Under the direction of the designer Hans Burkhard, the successor model was built with only a few changes based on the findings of Gotha G.III. Since these bombers were intended as a long-range bomber for use against the British mainland, during the development was taken to ensure that the aircraft through its hull made of plywood emergency landing on the water and there swimming for some time.
Furthermore, the lateral stability was stabilized by additional ailerons, which was criticized in G.III. Similarly, for the shooter at the rear again a hole for shooting down was installed. An additional third and fourth machine gun should increase the firepower of the aircraft. Overall, the flight performance could be improved only slightly compared to the previous model.
From November 1916 to February 1917, the company ordered a total of 50 aircraft. In addition, 100 pieces of the Luft-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft A.G. and 80 pieces built in the Siemens Schuckert Werken. At the LVG and Siemens, the German Army Command demanded that the aircraft built there should be given a stronger hull. In order to implement this project, some adjustments had to be made, so that the Gotha G.IV were built and used in three different variants.
Gotha G.IV
Gotha G.IV
Gotha G.IV
Gotha G.IV Cockpit
Use in the First World War:
From March 1917, the first Gotha G.IV were delivered to the combat squadron of the Supreme Army Command 1 in Ghent, Belgium. From there, the air raids on London were flown in May 1917. At first, mainly during the daytime, when the British air defense became stronger and stronger, the attacks were flown from September 1917 only at night. In August 1918, the last Gotha G.IV were exchanged for the Gotha G.V.
Around 40 Gotha G.IV aircraft were also delivered to Austria-Hungary, which used these aircraft at the front to Italy until the end of the war.
Technical specifications:
| Designation: | Gotha G.IV |
| Country: | German Empire |
| Typ: | Bomber |
| Length: | 12,4 meters |
| Span: | 23,7 meters |
| Height: | 3,85 meters |
| Mass: | 2400 kg empty |
| Crew: | 3 to 4 |
| Engine: | two water-cooled six-cylinder inline engines Mercedes D IVa with each 260 hp |
| Maximum speed: | 140 km/h |
| Reach: | 490 kilometers |
| Armament: | 3 - 4 x 7,92 mm Parabellum LMG 08/15 machine guns and up to 500 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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