The Gotha Go 242 was a transport glider used by the Luftwaffe during World War II.

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 111s or Junkers Ju 52s, 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 m² (693 ft²)
• 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/m² (lb/ft²)

Armament

• 4x 7.92 mm MG 15 machine guns

Related content

Related development: Go 244

Comparable aircraft:

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