German crossGermany's Balkenkreuz aircraft marking

Germany's Gotha Go 242 transport glider

Photos

Gotha Go 242A-0 transport glider:
Germany's Gotha Go 242A-0 transport glider 		Gotha Go 242 and Go 244 transport gliders:
Germany's Gotha Go 242 and Go 244 transport gliders		    

Design

In 1940 the Luftwaffe published a specification for a glider.1 Designer Albert Kalkert created the Gotha Go 242.1

The Go 242 had a double tail.1 The rear of the glider could be opened for easy loading and unloading.1

Rockets were sometimes used to assist in takeoffs.1

Prototype

Two Gotha Go 242 prototypes flew in early 1941.1

Production

  • Prototypes: 21
  • Gotha Go 242: 1,5281
    • Manufacturer: Gothaer Waggonfabrik A.G.1

Variants

  • Gotha Go 242:

Usage

Specifications

  Gotha Go 2421
Type Transport glider1
Crew 2 - 51
Passengers 211
Dimensions  
Span 80' 4"1
Length 51' 10"1
Height 13' 11"1
Wing area  
Weight  
Empty  
Loaded 14,991 lb1
Performance  
Speed 180 mph1
Diving speed  
Towing speed  
Armament 4: MG1

Sources:

  1. World War II Airplanes Volume 1, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976