GOTHA G.II, G.III

During World War I, medium and heavy bombers were put into use. The most famous of medium-sized aircraft are the German twin-engine Gotha G.II and G.III bombers, built in 1915-16. Carrying from 300 to 900 kg of bombs, together with heavy bombers, they were used for strategic bombing of London, albeit moderately effective due to the small number of aircraft and loads carried by individual planes. After the outbreak of the war, the German Gothär Waggonfabrik factory switched from the production of railway carriages to the construction of large aircraft. In 1915, their first construction was flown - the GI bomber (G from the word Großflugzeug - "big plane"). 18 GI aircraft were produced. Another G.II design resembled the French Voisin and was completely different from the GI. Only 10 of this type were produced. In 1916, the production of the G.III model began, which differed from its predecessor in engines. This model was sent from place to the front, where it participated in air raids on England. In total, about 150 copies of these machines were produced in various factories (apart from the home one, they were produced under license). Technical data (G.III version): length: 12.2 m, wingspan: 23.7 m, height: 3.9 m, maximum speed: 135 km / h, armament: fixed - 2-3 MG14 7.92 mm machine guns , suspended - up to 500 kg of bombs.During World War I, medium and heavy bombers were put into use. The most famous of medium-sized aircraft are the German twin-engine Gotha G.II and G.III bombers, built in 1915-16. Carrying from 300 to 900 kg of bombs, together with heavy bombers, they were used for strategic bombing of London, albeit moderately effective due to the small number of aircraft and loads carried by individual planes. After the outbreak of the war, the German Gothär Waggonfabrik factory switched from the production of railway carriages to the construction of large aircraft. In 1915, their first construction was flown - the GI bomber (G from the word Großflugzeug - "big plane"). 18 GI aircraft were produced. Another G.II design resembled the French Voisin and was completely different from the GI. Only 10 of this type were produced. In 1916, the production of the G.III model began, which differed from its predecessor in engines. This model was sent from place to the front, where it participated in air raids on England. In total, about 150 copies of these machines were produced in various factories (apart from the home one, they were produced under license). Technical data (G.III version): length: 12.2 m, wingspan: 23.7 m, height: 3.9 m, maximum speed: 135 km / h, armament: fixed - 2-3 MG14 7.92 mm machine guns , suspended - up to 500 kg of bombs.