Friedrichshafen G.II

Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen · German Empire · first flew 1916 · bomber

The Friedrichshafen G.II was a German World War I twin-engine biplane bomber used for strategic bombing raids. It represented an early generation of purpose-built German long-range bombers.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• World War I German biplane twin-engine bomber
• Tractor-pusher tandem engine arrangement
• Large equal-span biplane wings

A large equal-span biplane with two tractor engines mounted in nacelles between the wings; conventional three-bay bracing and a box-section fuselage gondola distinguish it from single-engine contemporaries.

Specifications

• The Friedrichshafen G.II has a length of 11.41 m (37 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 19.7 m (65 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 135 km/h (84 mph).
• Typical crew: 3.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Entering service in 1916, the G.II was operated by the Deutsches Heer's Bombengeschwader units over the Western and Eastern Fronts. It was soon superseded by the improved G.III variant, which featured a more refined fuselage and enhanced engine arrangement.

Variants

The G.II was developed from the G.I and was followed by the considerably more capable G.III, which became the standard German medium bomber of the later war years.

Where you'll see it

The G.II served with German Kagohl (combat wing) bombing units on both the Western and Eastern Fronts from 1916, conducting night raids on Allied positions and supply lines.

Related aircraft

• Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen FF.43
• Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen FF.49
• Friedrichshafen D.I
• Friedrichshafen FF.31
• AEG G.IV
• AEG R.I
• Airco DH.3
• Airco DH.4

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