Gotha G.IV

Fifty-two Gotha G.IV bombers were ordered in August 1916, with additional orders for 150 from L.V.G. and eighty from Siemens-Schuckert. Another forty were built by LVG for Austria-Hungary adapted for Hiero engines. The G.IV was a refinement of the Gotha G.III, with the same engines but the introduction of a tunnel through which the rear gunner could fire downward through the fuselage. The tunnel allowed a firing arc of 25&deg; laterally and 60&deg; vertically.

The G.IV's fuselage was plywood-skinned but still braced as if covered with fabric, making it extremely resilient. Fuel tanks were placed inside the engine nacelles.

Their first successful daylight raid on London occurred on 25 May 1917, spurring Britain to greatly increase Home Defense. Losses through the summer pushed the Gothas into night bombing by autumn of 1917, and the challenges of night landings increased with the need for nighttime bombing runs. Most Gotha losses were due to accidents.

In Austria-Hungary the G.IVs arrived in spring of 1918 but did not fly missions until summer. Most were powered by a pair of 230-240hp Hiero engines. They were designated the Gotha G.IV(LVG) Series 08. While thirty-seven remained on the rolls in August 1918, only a few were serviceable due to problems with the engines, landing accidents, and other problems.

Gotha bombers were said to be fairly stable when fully loaded, but after dropping the bombs the center of gravity would shift and the plane would become somewhat unstable in pitch, making it difficult to land. This became especially true after the Gothas shifted increasingly to night bombing in autumn 1917. In fact, landing accidents accounted for 76% of all Gotha losses.

Aircraft Chart

1:144 Scale

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 * Metal kit:

1:200 Scale

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1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

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 * Metal Cast:

1:600 Scale

 * 3D Print: Reduced Aircraft Factory

1:700 Scale

 * 3D Print: Reduced Aircraft Factory