Zeppelin-Staaken VGO.III

Overview

The Zeppelin-Staaken VGO.III was a heavy bomber built in Germany in 1916 and which saw limited service during World War I. Although only one example was built, it served as a prototype for further Riesenflugzeuge ("giant aircraft") by Zeppelin-Staaken. Its "VGO" designation was assigned because the aircraft was constructed by Versuchsbau Gotha-Ost, a division of Gothaer Waggonfabrik. It was developed from the VGO.I that had been purchased by the Imperial German Navy, but the VGO.III was purchased by the Army instead. It was the first six-engined aircraft in the world.