Caudron G.4

The single-engine tractor Caudron G.3 was used extensively in the early war, but French designers were challenged to come up with a plane that had better power and could mount a forward-firing machine gun. Mounting twin engines and a central nacelle with a forward gunner was a natural solution, and it provided superb visibility to the observer as well: thus was born the Caudron G.4. Though they looked fragile, the G.4's were sturdy and they could be flown reliably even with one engine out.

The G.4A2 carried a wireless set for artillery cooperation; the G.4B2 carried 220kg of bombs. There were also dual-control trainers (E2) and armored ground-attack versions (IB) as well as a seaplane version. Several French aces flew the G.4 early in their career, including Fonck, Dorme, and Chaput.

The RNAS imported 43 and built twelve in Britain, with missions beginning in March 1916. Italy built fifty-one under license in 1916-1917, and Russia and Romania purchased forty and forty-four respectively.

Card Links

 * French CEP27
 * French Esc 47, Fonck
 * French CEP115
 * Russian

1:144 Scale

 * Shapeways: Kampfflieger

1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

 * Shapeways: Kampfflieger

1:350 Scale

 * Shapeways: Kampfflieger