GOTHA AIRCRAFT: FROM THE LONDON BOMBER TO THE FLYING WING JET FIGHTER

Un resoconto storico dettagliato del dipartimento di produzione della Gothaer Waggonfabrik, comprendente foto inedite, un approfondimento sulle vicissitudini di una fabbrica tedesca, e le descrizioni complete di tutti gli aerei costruiti.

---

The history and aircraft of the department of aircraft production at the Gothaer Waggonfabrik from 1913 to 1954.

• Historically rich in detail with previously unpublished photographs
• An exclusive insight into the vicissitudes of a German aircraft factory
• From the Gotha Dove through the Gotha G IV, Go 145, Bf 110, Horten Ho 229 and the Gotha Go 530, the complete description of all aircraft built at Gotha, including those built under licence

• A welcome return of an updated version of a book first published over thirty years ago

Gothaer Waggonfabrik (GWF), originally a rail vehicle manufacturer, entered the aircraft industry in 1913. GWF managed to make a name for themselves internationally and Gotha became synonymous with German bomber aircraft of the First World War.

Even successful seaplanes and the world’s first asymmetric aircraft were a part of GWF’s production and lasted until the Treaty of Versailles forced the abandonment of aircraft production. Aircraft could not be built in Gotha until 1933. GWF did receive development contracts for the Luftwaffe, but they were essentially side issues and not the lucrative mass construction variety.

In 1939, a world altitude record in the Go 150 provided GWF with a small though internationally significant highlight. During the Second World War, GWF developed cargo gliders and built the Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter/Zerstörer under licence.

In 1944, Gotha undertook production of the Horten Ho 229, a flying wing jet fighter, and designed its more radical successor. In 1954, aircraft construction was stopped after Gotha developed its last aircraft.