Not a great success, probably because of the unreliability of the Mercedes (not Benz) engines which were prone to vibration resulting in crank shaft failure. Of the 10 built one was retained by Gothaer and one was lost in evaluation trials the remaining eight went to the Balkan front where no more than four were active at any one time. By February 1917 only one remained in service what became of them has not been recorded.
Span 77'9" Empty weight 4,810 lb Maximum take off weight 7,037 lb
Max speed 92 mph
Armament 2 x 7.92 mm Parabellum machine guns 1,000 lb bombs
Grant, e-mail, 21.10.2013 20:42
How were the internal bombs in the Gotha dropped. I see there is a "bomb chamber", but no bomb bay doors.
Jeroen, e-mail, 24.10.2008 23:55
The G.II used straight-eight DIV engines of 220hp, the G.III straight-six DIVa's with 260hp. Also the G.II did not have the trap-door, this was on G.IIIs only. Only 10 G.IIs were apparently built.
Freeman, e-mail, 15.02.2008 14:44
At first, bobs were dropped "on eye":-) Then, was used very simply constructions made by crews. It was net made from wire and nails. Thrue bombing sights was constructed in last mounths the Great War.
