Gotha WD 12
Gotha · German Reich · first flew 1917 · light aircraft
The Gotha WD 12 was a German biplane floatplane produced in 1917 as part of the WD (Wasser-Doppeldecker, or water biplane) series built for the German Imperial Navy. It served in maritime reconnaissance and patrol roles.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI German biplane floatplane
- Gotha WD (Wasser-Doppeldecker) naval series
- Twin-float seaplane configuration
Large biplane floatplane with twin floats and conventional WWI layout; distinguishable from Friedrichshafen and Hansa-Brandenburg types by Gotha's characteristic tail and strut arrangement.
Specifications
- The Gotha WD 12 has a length of 10 m (33 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15 m (49 ft).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Gotha's WD series spanned numerous variants produced for the German Navy during WWI. The WD 12 was one of the later entries, appearing in 1917 when German naval aviation was expanding its floatplane fleet for North Sea operations.
Variants
Part of the WD series; minor sub-variants existed within the Gotha naval floatplane programme.
Where you'll see it
Served with the German Imperial Navy in coastal patrol and maritime reconnaissance from North Sea and Baltic bases.
Related aircraft
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