Gotha G.IV

Gotha · Germany · first flew 1916 · bomber

The Gotha G.IV was a German twin-engine heavy bomber famous for conducting the first large-scale strategic bombing raids on England in 1917–18, killing civilians in London and causing widespread alarm. It replaced the Zeppelin as the primary strategic bombing weapon.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• WWI German strategic bomber that raided England in 1917–18
• Twin-engine pusher biplane with a distinctive tunnel through the fuselage for defensive gun fire
• Crew of three with nose and dorsal gun positions

Large equal-span two-bay biplane with twin pusher engines on the wings, a glazed nose gunner's position, twin tail fins, and a distinctive tunnel through the lower fuselage centre-section to allow rear-downward defensive fire.

Specifications

• The Gotha G.IV has a length of 12.2 m (40 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 23.7 m (78 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 1917, the Gotha G.IV carried out 22 raids on Britain, including the notorious raid on Folkestone in May 1917 that killed 95 civilians. Its attacks prompted the reorganisation of British air defences and the creation of what became the Royal Air Force.

Variants

The G.IV was preceded by the G.III and succeeded by the G.V, which incorporated improvements to reduce the vulnerability of the fuel tanks; all three variants served concurrently.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the German Luftstreitkräfte, primarily on the Western Front and against targets in England and France; never used by any Allied power.

Related aircraft

• Gotha G.II
• Gotha G.III
• Gotha WD 13
• Gotha WD 9
• AEG G.IV
• AEG R.I
• Airco DH.3
• Airco DH.4

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