Austro-Hungarian Gotha G.IV

Trenchraider · 18 November 2009, 08:42 AM

Hello Folks,

once again I need the help of one of you experts.
For the "coming soon" Gotha G.IV from the famous Wingnut Wings, I`m searching for informations about K.u.K. Gothas. I`ve seen some pics of Linke-Crawford in and in front of the cockpit of such a plane, but you can´t see any serial, no colour or camouflage. I know, the austrian Luftfahrtruppe bought about 13 planes of this type and operated them on the italian front, but I can´t find any infos about.
Is there anyone between the experts who can give me a little help?

Trenchraider

Varese2002 · 18 November 2009, 09:10 AM

Actually 40 Gotha G.IV licence built by L.V.G. - were delivered to the k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe. The assigned serials were Series 08.01 till 08.40. Just as in Germany the machine was not very succesfull owing to engine failure. The installed Hiero engines (240 hp) were not very reliable. The was used from September 1918 on just on training flights.

The best articles are in Grosz-Haddow-Schiemer.

Austro-hungarian army aircraft of world war one and in Hauke - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918. The last one even carries a colour side drawing of k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe Gotha G.IV (if colours are correct, I leave to the secialists

)

Cheers

Kees

paolomiana · 18 November 2009, 09:25 AM

Hi Trenchraider,

tomorrow evening I will met with some local aviation historicians, I will try to collect (or dicover where to collect) some info about the topic

cheers

Paolo

Cigogne · 18 November 2009, 10:21 AM

interesting topic... I've seen photos of a crashed machine on a rooftop. It is wearing typical dark night-bomber scheme.

bristol scout · 18 November 2009, 10:26 AM

Hi Trenchraider,
Dr. Martin O'Connor in his AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN AIRCRAFT in W.W.1 has this to say,
" as far as is known all the Gotha bombers were similarly camouflaged. Their paint schemes consisted of large, frequently equilateral hexagons on all major surfaces. These lozenges were horizontally oriented on the fuselage fin and Rudder, while those on the top and bottom surfaces of both wings (and presumably the horizontal tailplnes as well) were applied with their 'points' facing towards the leading and trailing edges.
The wheels, struts and engine nacelles seem to be painted a solid dark colour.
This camouflage was undoubtedly painted in Germany. This conclusion is based on the fact that the wing crosses of these aircraft are in 'German' location, positioned far out towards the wingtips.
In addition the data table on the noses of these aircraft are painted in classic L.V.G. style.

The exact colours of the lozenges are unknown --the selection of the colours are generally dark, as evidenced by the use of white paint for the serial no's. and data tables......a British report on a captured example speaks of 'all over a very black bluish grey colour'."

There are two photos--of 08.10 and 08.11 --and if anyone has, and can scan for you---the Cross&Cockade article (which has a bit more) is Vol.19--No.4 1988

If no luck, and nothing further I can photostat the pages and send them to you by ordinary post, but can not scan--or do anything much with computers......

Dave.

berman · 18 November 2009, 11:08 AM

A bit of a sidetrack to this post. Does any member have three view drawings of a G.IVb?

Trenchraider · 19 November 2009, 05:21 AM

Dear Gents,

thanks a lot to all of you, who gave me these hints and tips about my
Gotha G.IVquestions.
We will see, what is possible to build out of the Wingnut-Gotha.
(Maybe at Christmasday?!?!)

Trenchraider

PS. Greetings to Mad Matz!!

paolomiana · 20 November 2009, 11:29 PM

Hi Trenchraider,

as promised I've asked to a friend of mine where I can easily find some info about AH Gothas. Unfortunately, it seems there is no a quick available source..... if you wish I can have a look foe the next month, but iyt seems too late for your time schedule.....

sorry

Paolo

Trenchraider · 21 November 2009, 12:34 AM

Good morning Paolomiana,

thank you for your endeavour within this! Until the "Wingnut Gotha" has´nt arrived my workbench, there is enough time to search for infos for this projekt.
Yesterday a good friend gave me some good pics of the Hiero motors I have to build for the k.u.k. Gotha´s, think it will be a long lasting projekt!!
I´ll be very happy, if you can find out some sources for me in the next time.

Greetings from Hamburg to Vienna

Trenchraider