Gotha B-Type
Gothaer Waggonfabrik · Germany · first flew 1914 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Gotha B-Type was an early German reconnaissance biplane series used at the outbreak of World War I, preceding Gotha's famous bomber designs.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Early WWI German two-seat biplane with pusher or tractor configuration
- Observer in front cockpit ahead of the engine
- Angular cellule strut arrangement typical of early Gotha designs
Conventional two-bay biplane of pre-war pattern; equal-span wings with plain rectangular plan, open cockpits, fixed undercarriage with exposed axle, and tractor piston engine.
Specifications
- The Gotha B-Type has a length of 8.5 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14 m (46 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 115 km/h (71 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Gothaer Waggonfabrik in the years immediately before WWI, the B-Type series served German aviation in the opening campaigns of 1914. These were unarmed two-seat observation biplanes, typical of the pre-war genre. They were soon outclassed and replaced by more capable types.
Variants
The B-Type designation covers several related but distinct airframes including the Gotha BI, BII, and BIII, differing mainly in engine fit and minor structural details.
Where you'll see it
Used by the German Army Air Service (Luftstreitkräfte) for artillery spotting and reconnaissance in 1914–1915 before being withdrawn to training duties.
Related aircraft
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