Caudron G.4 Bomber (1915)
The Cau 4B.2 faced many losses in the daylight bomber role and was relegated to the reconnaissance and fire spotting role with the Cau G.4A series.
The G.4 was developed from the similar G.3 reconnaissance series as a dedicated bomber platform. From the outset, the design centered around how much of a bombload the aircraft could maintain whilst provided for decent flight characteristics. Power was derived mainly from twin Le Rhone rotary-type engines producing some 80 horsepower each. The engines proved better than those used on the G.3 series and allowed for an additional crewmember to be seating in the nose with a defensive machine gun and a capable bomb load underwing.
The G.4 design was characterized not only by its twin-engine layout and biplane wing assembly but also by the four rudder system mounted at rear. The two-person crew consisted of a pilot and a gunner/observer. Defensive armament was limited to usually the one 7.7mm machine gun and the bombload capacity varied between 220lbs and 250lbs.
The appearance of the G.4 was delayed by production problems, not surprising considering the aircraft was in its relative infancy at the time and designing during wartime added a new element of thinking. The G.4 first appeared in the skies for service in 1915 as the Cau 4B.2. This particular model, however, suffered from an extremely high loss rate and would be phased from service by November of 1916. The Cau 4A.2 followed and was put to more successful use in the reconnaissance and artillery spotting role.
The Cau G.4 was produced in Britain as well as France and was used by the major Allied powers including Russia. British flyers used the type to continually disrupt seaplane and Zeppelin airship bases throughout Belgium with good success while the Italians utilized the high altitude performance of the aircraft to good effect in the Alps. The French and Russian both utilized the type in the reconnaissance role where the onboard radio proved useful in the artillery spotting role as well. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Caudron G.4
Bomber
Country of Origin: France
Manufacturer: Caudron Feres - France / A.E.R. - Italy / British Caudron Company - UK
Initial Year of Service: 1915
Production: 1,421
Focus Model: Caudron G.4A.2
Crew: 2
Length: 23.49ft (7.16m)
Width: 56.43ft (17.20m)
Height: 8.53ft (2.60m)
Weight (Empty): 0lbs (0kg)
Weight (MTOW): 2,932lbs (1,330kg)
Powerplant: 2 x Le Rhone 9C rotary engines developing 80hp each OR 2 x Anzani 10-cylinder radial engines developing 100hp each.
Maximum Speed: 82mph (132kmh; 71kts)
Maximum Range: 0miles (0km)
Service Ceiling: 14,108ft (4,300m; 2.7miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 0 feet per minute (0m/min)
Hardpoints: 2
Armament Suite:
1 OR 2 x 7.7mm machine guns
Between 220lbs and 249lbs of external ordnance depending on model.
Variants:
Cau 4B.2 - Bomber Variant; initial production model; 220lb external ordnance limit; withdrawn from service in 1916.
Cau 4A.2 - Reconnaissance Variant; second production model; 249lb external ordnance limit; appearing in November 1915; used primarily in artillery spotting and reconnaissance flight duties.
Cau 4E.2 - Trainer Variant; dual-controls.
Cau 4IB "Blindage" - Armored Variant
Cau G.6 - Further Development of G.4 Series; redesigned with a traditional fuselage layout and empennage.
Operators: Belgium; Colombia; France; Finland; United Kingdom; Russia; Italy
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