During World War II, transport aviation played an important role for the battling parties. Transport aircraft were expensive to build and operate, and gliders were a cheaper and easier to obtain alternative. The RLM realized very early on that the Luwaffe would need such an alternative, and shortly after the introduction of the DFS 230 light gliders, ordered a heavier transport glider. Since Gothaer Waggonfabrik A.G. had parcipated in the development of the DFS and already had experience in constructing such machines, the task was entrusted to this company. In 1941, GWF was awarded a contract to develop a glider that could carry 20 fully equipped soldiers or equivalent cargo. Chief designer Eng. A. Kalkert decided on an upper wing layout with two tail beams, a wide fuselage to provide ample cargo space, and the entire rear end opened to facilitate loading. The new model was given the designation Go 242. The design soon proved to be successful and the flight characteristics proved to be better than the lighter DFS 230 glider. The Go 242 lived to see many versions, and the changes focused mainly on improving lift and ease of handling on the ground, which resulted in the development of a couple of landing gear versions.
The structure was designed from the beginning so that it would be possible to equip it with engines and convert the glider into a transport aircraft, and after successful testing, their production also began. The engine versions were designated Go 244, and soon the Gotha’s distinctive silhouette with a double tail became recognizable among supplying troops in the Mediterranean and the Balkans, and especially on the Eastern Front.