In the autumn of 1915, Gaston Caudron set out to correct the shortcomings of the R.4, but in December, the talented designer died in an aviation accident. His brother René continued the work, resulting in the Caudron G.VI. This aircraft was very similar to the R.4 in construction and appearance, but significantly smaller in size and mass.
The machine evolved from a three-strut biplane into a two-strut sesquiplane. It was equipped with light “Rhône” rotary engines, typically used on fighters, and its crew was reduced from three people to two.
Development and Innovative Design
The prototype’s first flight took place in June 1916. The flight characteristics of the lightened Caudron significantly improved, with a particularly sharp increase in climb rate, though for a bomber this indicator was not considered paramount. The bomb load remained quite low.
However, unlike the practically defenseless Farmans and Voisins, the G.6 could operate effectively during the day. This gave it a significant tactical advantage in daytime operations of the era.
Combat Performance
In the summer of 1916, the G.6 was adopted and mass-produced. However, by the spring of that same year, the French industry had already mastered the production of new aircraft engines with over 200 hp. From then on, bombers equipped with weaker engines quickly became obsolete.
A total of 512 Caudron G.6 aircraft were built. Despite its short frontline operational lifespan, the G.VI represented an important step in the evolution of French World War I bombers.
Production and Obsolescence
Technical Specifications
| Modification | G.VI |
| Wingspan, m | 17.22 |
| Length, m | 8.60 |
| Wing area, m2 | 39.00 |
| Empty weight | 940 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 1440 |
| Engine type | 2 Piston engine Gnome Rhone |
| Power, hp | 2 x 110-130 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 145 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 122 |
| Practical range, km | 275 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | 267 |
| Service ceiling, m | 4400 |
| Crew, crew members | 3 |
| Armament | one machine gun turret with a 7.7-mm Lewis machine gun, up to 100 kg of bombs |
Image gallery of the Caudron G.VI
