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
- Inspektion der Fliegertruppen
- bei Nowarra, a.a.O. als LD1a oder GRD bezeichnet
Bibliography
- Herris, Jack (2013). Gotha Aircraft of WWI: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes. Great War Aviation Centennial Series. Vol. 6. Charleston, South Carolina: Aeronaut Books. ISBN 978-1-935881-14-8.
- 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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