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 IdfliegInspektion der Fliegertruppen as Gotha B.I.

The B.II (factory designation LD.10bei Nowarra, a.a.O. als LD1a oder GRD bezeichnet) 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.IB.IIYear19151916TypeReconnaissance/trainer aircraftTrainer aircraftWingspan12.4m14.5mLength8.4m7.25mHeight3m3.45mWing area39.5m²46m²Empty weight725kg525kgMax. take off weight1,125kg1,127kgEngineWater-cooled 6-cylinder inline engine Mercedes D.II, 120 hpOberursel U.I rotary engine, 100 hpMax. speed125 km/h115 km/hService ceiling2,700mN/ARange530 kmN/AArmamentNoneNoneCrew22

References

Bibliography

Günter Kroschel, Helmut Stützer: Die deutschen Militärflugzeuge 1910 – 1918. Lohse-Eissing, Wilhelmshaven 1977.

Heinz Nowarra: Die Entwicklung der Flugzeuge 1914 – 1918. Lehmanns, München 1959.