Gotha Taube LE-3
Gotha · Germany · first flew 1912 · transport aircraft
The Gotha Taube LE-3 was one of Gotha's licence-built variants of the Taube (Dove) monoplane, a pre-WWI German design characterised by its distinctive bird-wing-shaped planform with curved, downward-anhedral wingtips.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Early WWI-era Taube-type monoplane
- Characteristic bird-like swept and curved wing planform
- One of several licensed Taube derivatives built by Gotha
Unmistakeable bird-wing planform with deeply curved, downswept wingtips giving the aircraft a dove-like silhouette in flight; the monoplane layout, open two-seat tandem cockpit, and simple fixed undercarriage complete the picture.
Specifications
- The Gotha Taube LE-3 has a length of 9.8 m (32 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
The Taube design originated with Igo Etrich and was licensed to numerous German manufacturers including Gotha, each producing slightly different variants under the Taube name. Used by Germany at the outbreak of WWI for reconnaissance and early bombing missions, the Taube was quickly superseded by purpose-built military aircraft but holds significance as one of the first aircraft used in combat.
Variants
The Taube was produced by many manufacturers (Rumpler, Gotha, Albatros, Jeannin) in slightly differing forms; the Gotha LE-3 was one of several Gotha sub-variants distinguished by minor structural and engine differences.
Where you'll see it
Used by the German military in the opening phases of WWI for reconnaissance; the design was obsolete by 1915 and replaced entirely by modern tractor biplanes.
Related aircraft
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