Nederlandse Modelbouw en Luchtvaartsite

Dutch Modelling and Aviation

In Memoriam

Klaas Willem Jonker
(Wilko)
† April 30, 2018

On Monday 30 April 2018, Wilko Jonker died after a long illness at the age of 58. He leaves behind a wife and two children. The Dutch military aviation and plastic modeling were his hobby and on this website he shared all the knowledge he has collected over the years. His hobby has been able to distract him from the persistent disease in his body until the last week of his life. The contacts with other hobbyists were a major support for him.

This website will be maintained by different people for as long as possible, so that other enthusiasts can continue to benefit from extensive content.

Friedrichshafen G-III

History

The forerunner of the G. III was a successful bomber in 1917 was succeeded by the Friedrichshafen G. III (factory designation FF.45).
It was taller and had a larger wingspan than its predecessor.
G. II tended to head stand when landing; at the G III, this was compensated by adding a nose wheel.
Furthermore the G.II had two more powerful Mercedes D.IVa engines of 260 horsepower each, so a bomb load of 1000 kg could be carried.

Versions.

Friedrichshafen G. IIIa:
had a modified wing, which improved handling in flight on one engine. Furthermore, a third machine gun was added for defence against night fighters.
Friedrichshafen G. IIIb:
was a further modified version, the rear gunner having now a connection with the rest of the crew.

After the war, various G.IIIs were adapted and used as passenger aircraft.

 

Technical information
Dimensions:
Length: 7,15 m Wing span: 13,46 m
Height: 3,35 m Wing surface: 39 m2
Weigths:
Empty weight: 802 kg Full Weight: 1120 kg
Performance:
Max. speed: 158 km/hr Rate of climb: - m/min
Reach: 450 km Service level: 5000 m
Miscellaneous:
Engine: One 160 pk Mercedes D.III
Crew: One pilot plus one observer/air gunner
Armament: One fixed Spandau LMG-08/15 machine-gun plus one rotating Parabellum MG-14 machine-gun. A bomb-load of 100 kb max.