Go 146

The Go 146, produced by the small German workshop of Albert Kalkert in the late 1930s, was a groundbreaking two‑seat trainer that combined lightweight construction with advanced aerodynamic concepts. First flown on 12 March 1938 at Dessau airfield, the aircraft quickly demonstrated superior handling thanks to its cantilever low‑wing design and elliptical planform, which reduced induced drag. Its airframe employed a mixed‑metal skin—duralumin ribs covered with fabric—allowing a empty weight of only 540 kg while still supporting a 120 hp Argus As 10C inverted inline engine. The Go 146 featured a fully enclosed cockpit with dual controls, a sliding canopy, and a variable‑pitch propeller, a rarity for trainers of that era. Although only 27 units were built before production ceased in 1941 due to wartime priorities, the plane left a lasting imprint on post‑war light aircraft development. Its emphasis on simplicity, pilot comfort, and aerodynamic efficiency inspired later German designs such as the Bölkow Bo 209. Today, restored examples are prized by museums and vintage flyers, representing Albert Kalkert’s brief but influential contribution to aviation history. The aircraft’s modest 220 km/h top speed and 800 km range demonstrated that performance could be achieved without excessive power, a principle that guided many post‑war trainer programs.

Albert Kalkert

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Design & Classification