Gotha aircraft: books - history and technology

Gotha Aircraft: From the London Bomber to the Flying Wing Jet Fighter

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.

Features:
- Historically rich in detail with previously unpublished photographs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

Gotha Aircraft of WW I

This book describes and illustrates the development of Gotha warplanes in WWI with more than 285 rare, contemporary photos, 28 color profiles, performance specifications, and production data. The origin and evolution of Gotha designs are discussed in the context of the German strategic situation and the evolving combat environment.

Scale drawings of the Gotha LE3 and LE4 to 1/48 scale and the Gotha UWD, WD7, WD11, and WD14 to 1/72 scale are included in the book's 198 pages.

Gotha P.60

A detailed look at Gotha's replacement for the Horten Ho 229, which had already been selected for series production by the RLM. Includes a comparison of the two aircraft, as well as firsthand interviews with those involved in the program.