Description[]
Developed with the agreement of the Nazi RLM, Albert Kalkert began work on a towed glider to replace the current DFS 230. Construction was of a tubular steel fuselage with fabric covering, whilst the wings were wood, covered with fabric and plywood. Wheels were jettisonable and landing was performed on two retractable skids.
The prototype was first flown in 1941. This glider also served as the basis for the unsuccessful Go 244 troop transporter
Variants[]
Go 242A-0 Pre-Production model
Go 242A-1 First production model, featuring an increased depth tail boom and a brake on the nose skid. An armament of 4x MG 15 machine guns were added. One each in the tail, sides and in the cockpit roof.
Go 242A-2 Troop variant with extra doors in rear of the glider.
Go 242B 1942 redesign with jettisonable nose wheel
Go 242B-1/B-2 Variations of landing gear
Go 242B-3/B-4 Troop transport with double rear doors
Go 242B-5 Dual control trainer
Go 242C-1 Marine glider, envisioned for attacking naval targets such as Scapa Flow. Under-wing floats and boat hull. Was designed to carry assault boat and demo charge. Never used, though was delivered to 6./KG 200.
Notes[]
All information except Infobox taken from "Warplanes of the Luftwaffe" ISBN 1 874023 56 5 pages 94-95.
Infobox data from wikipedia [1]