Gotha G.VII
Gotha · Germany · first flew 1918 · bomber
The Gotha G.VII was a late-World War I German twin-engine biplane bomber, a development of the G.V series that had bombed London. It featured the characteristic Gotha twin-tail boom layout with pusher engines.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.63 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large WWI German twin-engine biplane bomber
- Distinctive biplane tail with twin tail booms
- Pusher-configuration Mercedes engines in nacelles between the wings
Large equal-span biplane with two pusher engines in nacelles between the wings, twin tail booms supporting a biplane tail unit, and a nose gondola for the bomber/gunner — a classic Gotha layout.
Specifications
- The Gotha G.VII has a length of 9.63 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 19.27 m (63 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 180 km/h (112 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The G.VII was developed as an improved version of the G.V strategic bomber in 1918, incorporating lessons learned from operational use. The war ended before it could be deployed in significant numbers. The Gotha G-series bombers had caused considerable alarm with their raids on Britain, prompting major changes in British air defence.
Variants
The G.VII was an incremental refinement of the G.IV and G.V; the fundamental biplane twin-boom layout was common to all Gotha G-series aircraft.
Where you'll see it
Arrived too late to see significant operational use; the Armistice ended the war shortly after its introduction.
Related aircraft
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