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VGO.III

Zeppelin-Staaken · Bomber · Germany · Pioneer Age (pre-1919)

VGO.III — Bomber
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The Zeppelin-Staaken VGO.III was a heavy bomber built in Germany in 1916 and which saw limited service during World War I. Although only one example was built, it served as a prototype for further Riesenflugzeuge by Zeppelin-Staaken. Its "VGO" designation was assigned because the aircraft was constructed by Versuchsbau Gotha-Ost, a division of Gothaer Waggonfabrik. It was developed from the VGO.I that had been purchased by the Imperial German Navy, but the VGO.III was purchased by the Army instead. It was the first six-engined aircraft in the world.

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
Bomber
Domain
Defence
Era
Pioneer Age (pre-1919)
Country
Germany
Manufacturer
Zeppelin-Staaken
Operator
Imperial German Army Air Service
Service Entry
1916
Produced
1
Engine
6× six-cylinder, water-cooled, inline piston engine, mounted in pairs
Thrust / Power
118 kW each
Length (ft)
80
Wingspan (ft)
138
Empty Weight (lb)
18960
MTOW (lb)
25574
Service Ceiling (ft)
9843
Range (mi)
373
Max Speed (mph)
62