Gotha Ka 430

The Gotha Ka 430 was a military transport glider, first built in 1944. The glider was designed by Albert Kalkert. Twelve had been produced by the end of World War II, but none of them was used operationally.[1]

Ka 430
Role Transport glider
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Gotha
Designer Albert Kalkert
First flight 27 March 1944
Status prototypes only
Number built 12

The glider could carry twelve men, and tests were being conducted towards the end of the war to see if it could carry a cargo of 1,400 kg (3,100 lb). A single 13 mm (0.512 in) MG 131 machine gun was fitted for self-defence.

Specifications

Data from Die Deutsche Luftruestung 1933–1945 Vol.2 – Flugzeugtypen Erla-Heinkel[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 12 troops / 1,700 kg (3,750 lb)
  • Length: 13.22 m (43 ft 4 in)
  • Wingspan: 19.5 m (64 ft 0 in)
  • Height: 4.17 m (13 ft 8 in)
  • Wing area: 39.9 m2 (429 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 1,810 kg (3,990 lb)
  • Gross weight: 4,600 kg (10,141 lb)

Performance

  • Never exceed speed: 320 km/h (200 mph, 170 kn)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 14:1
  • Maximum towing speed 218 km/h (135 mph; 118 kn)

Armament

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gotha Ka 430.
  1. "Gotha Kalkert Ka 430". Trzecia Rzesza 1933-1945 (in Polish). Retrieved 30 April 2007.
  2. Nowarra, Heinz J. (1993). Die Deutsche Luftruestung 1933–1945 Vol.2 – Flugzeugtypen Erla-Heinkel (in German). Koblenz: Bernard & Graefe Verlag. pp. 144–145, 268–269. ISBN 3-7637-5464-4.
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