Twin engine heavy bomber

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      Gotha G.Vb 1789/18 was one of at least nine such aircraft delivered to Evere by the German state in late 1918/early 1919 as compensation payment for the Great War. The Gotha G.V type "b" is easily recognizable by the massive double main undercarriage  providing some safety against overturning on landing on rough fields. The particular aircraft shown above, Gotha G.Vb 1789/18, was put back in flying condition to be used during the large exhibition and air show "Exposition de Materiel Aéronautique "at Evere between 19 and 27 July 1919 to give joyrides at Brussels' dignitaries, bankers and their families in order to obtain sponsorship for the creation of the first Belgian Airline "Sneta". 

     Around 1922/23 this large machine was transferred to the Royal Army Museum then situated at Ter Kameren Bos in Brussels where it was displayed near the entrance of the museum.  Unfortunately, due to the bad weather conditions it was damaged and scrapped later on. Both the engines with part of the wings were saved  and one of them is now on display at the Aeronautical Section of the Royal Army Museum (WHI) at the Jubelpark in Brussels. The seven other Gotha G.Vb bombers delivered to the Belgian authorities at Evere were in different states of assembly and it is generally believed they were not returned to flying condition. Identified G.Vb's were 738/17, 920/18, 928/18 and 930/18 (though this last Werknummer needs confirmation) (D. Brackx)