Gotha Go P.60

Gothaer Waggonfabrik, which was selected to mass-produce the Horten Ho 229 as the Go 229, began work on an improved version of the aircraft after discovering flaws with the Horton flying wing.[1] These flaws included limited space for modifications, especially new engines, or extra crew, as well as instability.[2] The company proposed the Go P.60A in January 1945.[1]

The Go P.60A was to have two BMW 003A-1 turbojet engines, one mounted above the wing and one below. This arrangement was chosen for ease of maintenance as well as to simplify the process of installing other engines.[1] Two pilots would occupy the pressurized cockpit in a staggered prone position.[1] The nose gear was offset to the left of the cockpit and retracted rearward.[1] Yaw control was to have been provided by a pair of retractable drag rudders near the tip of each wing.[1] Three armament configurations were proposed, a high altitude fighter (Höhenjäger) with four MK 108 cannons, a heavy fighter (Zerstörer) with two MK 103 cannons, and a reconnaissance fighter (Aufklärer) with two MK 108 cannons and two cameras.[1]

The RLM rejected Gotha's proposal, and instead ordered more Go 229s.[2] However, work on a simplified version as the Go P.60B continued.[3] This version differed from the Go P.60A in that the two crew sat in a conventional cockpit. The drag rudders of the original design were replaced with more conventional units, and the nose gear leg was relocated to the centerline.[3] Power was to be provided by two Heinkel HeS 011 engines, and armament was to consist of four MK 108 cannons. Construction of the prototype was halted midway in favor of the Go P.60C.[3]

The Go P.60C was proposed as a night fighter variant.[4] A radar was to be fitted in a lengthened nose, and three upward-firing MK 108 cannons would have complemented the four cannons of the previous model.[5] Power was to be provided by a pair of either BMW 003 or HeS 011 engines, complemented by a single Walter HWK solid-fueled booster rocket.[4][5] Work on the Go P.60 was halted by the end of the war in Europe.[4]

Go P.60A, initial version featuring a prone cockpit and two BMW 003A-1 engines mounded in an over/under position. None built.

• Go P.60A Höhenjäger, proposed high altitude fighter version.
• Go P.60A Zerstörer, proposed heavy fighter version.
• Go P.60A Aufklärer, proposed reconnaissance fighter version.
• Go P.60A/R, proposed version of the Höhenjäger to be fitted with a single Walter HWK 508B rocket engine between the engines.[1]
• Go P.60A-2, alternative configuration with both engines mounted side-by-side under the wing.[1]

Go P.60B, simplified version featuring a conventional cockpit and rudders. Prototype halted midway through construction.

Go P.60C, night fighter version with a radar in the nose. None built.

Data from [1][2]

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 8.82 m (28 ft 11 in)
• Wingspan: 12.2 m (40 ft 1 in)
• Height: 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in)
• Wing area: 46.8 m² (504 sq ft) , 110 m² (1184 ft²) including the fuselage
• Gross weight: 7,450 kg (16,424 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 7,450 kg (16,424 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 3,600 L (951 gal)
• Powerplant: 2 × BMW 003A-1 turbojet engines, 800 kN (1,763 lbf) thrust each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 950 km/h (590 mph, 513 kn)
• Range: 1,600 km (994 mi, 864 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 13,000 m (42,651 ft)
• Rate of climb: 16.5 m/s (3,240 ft/min)

Armament
High altitude fighter

• 4 x 30 mm caliber MK 108 cannons

Heavy fighter

• 2 x 30 mm caliber MK 103 cannons

Reconnaissance fighter

• 2 x 30 mm caliber MK 108 cannons
• 2 x RB 50/18 cameras

Related development

• Horten Ho 229

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• Armstrong Whitworth A.W.52
• Northrop N-9M
• Northrop XP-79

Related lists

• List of aircraft of World War II
• List of jet aircraft of World War II
• List of flying wing aircraft

• Nowarra, Heinz J. (1993). Die Deutsche Luftruestung 1933-1945 Vol.2 - Flugzeugtypen Erla-Heinkel (in German). Koblenz: Bernard & Graefe Verlag. pp. 154–155. ISBN 3-7637-5464-4.