Gotha B types

The Gotha B types of the Gothaer Waggonfabrik were two-seat reconnaissance/trainer aircraft of the German Air Force in the First World War.

Development

In 1914 Gotha developed a biplane with 120 hp inline engine, which received the factory designation LD.7 and was classified by Idflieg[1] as Gotha B.I.

The B.II (factory designation LD.10[2]) differed significantly from the B.I: The wings were larger, the fuselage shorter and a rotary engine was installed. The B.II was similar to an earlier concept, the Gotha LD.1 two-seater, which was powered by a Gnôme rotary engine with 100 hp.

Operational history

18 B.Is were delivered and used until 1915 for reconnaissance, then as a trainer aircraft. The B.II, of which 10 were built, was also used as a trainer aircraft.

Specifications

B.I B.II
Year 1915 1916
Type Reconnaissance/trainer aircraft Trainer aircraft
Wingspan 12.4m 14.5m
Length 8.4m 7.25m
Height 3m 3.45m
Wing area 39.5m² 46m²
Empty weight 725kg 525kg
Max. take off weight 1,125kg 1,127kg
Engine Water-cooled 6-cylinder inline engine Mercedes D.II, 120 hp Oberursel U.I rotary engine, 100 hp
Max. speed 125 km/h 115 km/h
Service ceiling 2,700m N/A
Range 530 km N/A
Armament None None
Crew 2 2

References

  1. Inspektion der Fliegertruppen
  2. bei Nowarra, a.a.O. als LD1a oder GRD bezeichnet

Bibliography

  • Günter Kroschel, Helmut Stützer: Die deutschen Militärflugzeuge 1910 – 1918. Lohse-Eissing, Wilhelmshaven 1977.ISBN 3-920602-18-8
  • Heinz Nowarra: Die Entwicklung der Flugzeuge 1914 – 1918. Lehmanns, München 1959.
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