Gotha Go 242 Article Index for
Gotha 		Limousines in
Gotha 		Website Links For
Gotha 		 

Information About

Gotha Go 242
  CATEGORIES ABOUT GOTHA GO 242
   
german military transport aircraft 1940-1949
   
glider aircraft
   
APPAREL
BABY
BEAUTY
BOOKS
CAR TOYS
CELL PHONES
DVD'S
ELECTRONICS
GOURMET FOOD
GROCERIES
HEALTH & PERSONAL
HOME & GARDEN
JEWELRY
MUSIC
MUSIC INSTRUMENTS
OFFICE PRODUCTS
SOFTWARE
SPORTING GOODS
TOOLS & HARDWARE
TOYS
VIDEO GAMES
SHOPPING HOME
MORE SHOPPING...




DEVELOPMENT

The Go 242 was designed by Albert Kalkert in response to a RLM (''Reichssluftfahrtministerium'' - "Reich Aviation Ministry") requirement for a heavy transport glider to replace the DFS 230 then in service. The aircraft was of pod-and-boom design, with the cargo pod built up of a framework of steel tubing covered with fabric. Cargo versions of the glider featured a hinged rear fuselage that could accommodate a Kübelwagen or loads of similar size and weight.

Two prototypes flew in 1941 and the type quickly entered production. A total of 1,528 were built, some of which were later motorised to become the Go 244 .


OPERATIONAL HISTORY

In service, Go 242s were towed into the air by Heinkel He 111 s or Junkers Ju 52 s, and occasionally were fitted with RATO equipment. Most saw service in the Mediterranean and Aegean.


VARIANTS


Go 242A

  • Go 242A-1 - initial cargo-carrying version

  • Go 242A-2 - initial troop-carrying version



Go 242B

  • Go 242B-1 - cargo version with jettisonable landing gear

  • Go 242B-2 - B-1 with improved landing gear

  • Go 242B-3 - troop-carrying version of B-1 with double rear doors

  • Go 242B-4 - troop-carrying version with doors of B-3 and landing gear of B-2

  • Go 242B-5 - training version with dual controls



Go 242C

  • Go 242C-1 - maritime assault version with Flying Boat -style hull. Never used operationally



SPECIFICATIONS (GO 242B-3)


General characteristics

  • Crew: one or two pilots

  • Capacity: up to 23 troops

  • Length: 15.81 m (51 ft 10 in)

  • Wingspan: 24.50 m (80 ft 5 in)

  • Height: 4.40 m (14 ft 5 in)

  • Wing area: 64.4 m&2 (693 ft&2)

  • Aspect ratio: 16:1

  • Empty: 3,200 kg (7,056 lb)

  • Loaded: kg ( lb)

  • Maximum takeoff: 7,100 kg (15,655 lb)



Performance

  • Maximum speed: 300 km/h (188 mph)

  • Maximum glide ratio: 1:16

  • Rate of sink: m/min ( ft/min)

  • Wing loading: kg/m&2 (lb/ft&2)



Armament



RELATED CONTENT

Related development:
Go 244

Comparable aircraft:

Designation sequence:
Ar 239 -
Ar 240 -
Go 241 -
Go 242 -
Go 244 -
BV 246 -
Ju 248