Gotha WD 13
Gotha · Germany · first flew 1916 · bomber
The Gotha WD 13 was a German World War I twin-engine torpedo and patrol seaplane, designed for maritime reconnaissance and anti-shipping operations over the North Sea and Baltic.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI German twin-engine maritime patrol and torpedo seaplane
- Biplane with twin-boom tail and central pusher nacelle
- Float undercarriage for water operations
A large twin-float biplane with twin engines mounted in the upper-wing struts in tractor configuration, and an extended twin-boom tail structure typical of Gotha maritime types.
Specifications
- The Gotha WD 13 has a length of 14 m (46 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 23 m (75 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 140 km/h (87 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Gothaer Waggonfabrik as part of a series of military seaplanes, the WD 13 entered service with the Imperial German Navy around 1916–1917. It carried a torpedo or bomb load and operated from coastal bases, complementing the submarine campaign. Production numbers were modest and detailed operational records are sparse.
Variants
The WD 13 was one of several Gotha WD (Wasser-Doppeldecker) maritime biplane types; closely related variants include the WD 11 and WD 14.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Imperial German Navy Marine Corps from North Sea coastal stations; replaced as the war progressed by more capable designs.
Related aircraft
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