Martinsyde G.100

Martinsyde G.100

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martinsyde_G.100

G.100/G.102 "Elephant"

Role	Biplane fighter/bomber
Manufacturer	Martinsyde
Introduced	1916
Primary users	Royal Flying Corps Australian Flying Corps
Number built	271

The Martinsyde G.100 "Elephant" and the G.102 were British fighter bomber aircraft of the First World War built by Martinsyde .

It gained the name "Elephant" from its relatively large size and lack of manoeuvrability. The G.102 differed from the G.100 only in having a more powerful engine.

Operational Use

The G100 was built originally as a long range, single-seat fighter and escort machine but on the basis of its size and weight was reclassified as a day bomber. It successfully performed this role from the summer of 1916 through to the closing weeks of 1917. It was also used for long-range photo reconnaissance, where stability and endurance were required (the type was capable of a five and a half hour flight) .

Variants

Martinsyde G.100 : Single-seat fighter-scout, bomber and reconnaissance biplane, powered by a 120-hp (89-kW) Beardmore piston engine. 100 built.
Martinsyde G.102 : Single-seat fighter-scout, bomber and reconnaissance biplane, powered by a 160-hp (119-kW) Beardmore piston engine. 171 built.
RG : Single-seat fighter biplane. One prototype only.