The Caudron G.4 series was a twin-engine bomber platform introduced in the early years of World War 1 by the French. The system served initially with the French air force but was put to good use in the hands of British, Italian and Russian pilots thereafter. Produced in two variants (the earlier B.2 and the later A.2) the Caudron G.4 appeared to the tune of some 1,421 total aircraft.
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 220lb and 250lb.
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.
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Specifications
Caudron Feres - France / A.E.R. - Italy / British Caudron Company - UK Manufacturer(s)
Belgium; Colombia; France; Finland; Kingdom of Italy; Imperial Russia; United Kingdom Operators
OPTIONAL:
Between 220 lb and 250 lb of external ordnance (model dependent).
2 Hardpoints
Cau 4B.2 - Bomber Variant; initial production model; 220lb external ordnance limit; withdrawn from service in 1916.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.
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