Roden 016 Gotha G.V WW I 1:72

The World's first strategic bomber, the Gotha G.IV, was adopted for military service in late 1916. It was one of the most modern and innovative planes of its time, but after acquiring combat experience, the necessity for improvements had become obvious, first for better flight performance as well as crewmember conditions.

One of the major problems for the previously built Gotha bombers was the fuel tank installation, both tanks being arranged too close to the engines. In case of an emergency landing the probability of a fire was very likely. Of all the bombers lost in action, 75% were lost during unsuccessful landings; this problem demanded immediate attention.

During October of 1916 German Air Command (the Idflieg) ordered 100 aircraft from the Gothaer Waggonfabrik AG. A new modification yielded the Gotha G.V. The first planes reached Bogohl 3 in August of the next year. The main difference between the G.V and its predecessor was the engine installation in the small streamlined nacelles between the wings, fuel tanks were moved into the fuselage. But performance had not increased; to the contrary, maximum speed and climb were slightly reduced and take-off weight increased. In any case, all these problems had been compensated for by an increase safety during landing.