AEG G.V
| Industry | Electrical equipment, aerospace manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1883 |
| Headquarters | Germany |
The AEG G.V was a biplane bomber aircraft developed during World War I by the Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG) for use by the Imperial German Army's (Deutsches Heer) air arm, the Luftstreitkräfte. Making its debut flight in 1918, this model represented a larger, enhanced iteration of the earlier AEG G.IV. Production was limited and ceased prior to the November Armistice, preventing it from entering active military service. After the war, six units were acquired by the Swedish Air Force. Additionally, at least one G.V was adapted into a six-passenger airliner variant known as the G5 for use by Deutsche Luft-Reederei.
Development
In November 1917, AEG initiated development of an aircraft capable of delivering a 1,000-kilogram (2,200 lb) bomb load. This design was derived from the G.IVb-lang variant, featuring extended wingspan and significantly increased wing surface area. While it maintained the elongated fuselage and biplane tail configuration characteristic of that model, it reverted to utilizing the original G.IV's water-cooled 260-horsepower (190 kW) Mercedes D.IVa straight-six piston engines. Although precise dates for the commencement of flight tests and maiden flight remain unclear, records indicate that in May 1918 the aircraft reached an altitude of 4,000 m (13,000 ft) within 70 minutes while carrying a payload of 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). The Inspectorate of Flying Troops (Inspektion der Fliegertruppen or Idflieg) had placed an order for 50 units in April 1918; deliveries began in August with nine aircraft handed over initially, totaling 37 delivered between August and October.
The G5 variant was a conversion of the G.V tailored for commercial airline operations. Initially, passengers were seated in an open cockpit located behind the pilots; however, AEG soon upgraded this configuration by installing an enclosed cabin complete with a lavatory and adding a hinged door at the nose section to facilitate baggage loading. At least one such aircraft entered service with Deutsche Luft-Reederei starting in 1919.
Following the Armistice, six G.V bombers were procured by the Swedish Air Force. During transit in 1919, two were lost due to accidents; nonetheless, AEG supplied replacements later that same year.
Operators
Specifications (AEG G.V)
See also
References
Bibliography
- Andersson, Lennart; Sanger, Ray. Retribution and Recovery: German Aircraft and Aviation 1919 to 1922. Air-Britain (Historians), 2014. Staplefield, UK. ISBN 978-0-85130-467-0.
- Gray, Peter; Thetford, Owen. German Aircraft of the First World War. Putnam, 1987 (2nd edition). London. ISBN 0-85177-809-7.
- Herris, Jack. A.E.G. Aircraft of WWI: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes. Aeronaut Books, 2015. ISBN 978-1-935881-28-5.
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