Friedrichshafen G.III

Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen · German Empire · first flew 1917 · bomber

The Friedrichshafen G.III was a German twin-engine biplane bomber of the First World War, produced by the Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen company on Lake Constance. It was used for night bombing raids against Allied targets and represented a significant step in German strategic bombing capability.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	13.3 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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WWI German twin-engine biplane bomber from Lake Constance manufacturer
Equal-span biplane with two pusher-tractor or tractor engines between wings
Four-wheel main undercarriage and biplane tail with twin fins

A large equal-span biplane with two tractor engines mounted between the wing panels and a prominent biplane tail unit with twin fins and rudders. The four-wheel main landing gear is characteristic of this series.

Specifications

The Friedrichshafen G.III has a length of 13.3 m (44 ft).
It has a wingspan of 23.75 m (78 ft).
Its maximum speed is 140 km/h (87 mph).
Typical crew: 3.

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

History

Entering service in 1917, the G.III was an improved development of the earlier Friedrichshafen G.II, with uprated engines and refined structure. It operated with Bombengeschwader units on the Western Front and over England, often flying at night to reduce losses. Around 338 were built.

Variants

The G.IIIa was a variant with minor equipment changes; the G.IV was a further development with more powerful engines.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Imperial German Air Service from 1917 to 1918 on strategic bombing duties; no post-war use.

Related aircraft

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