Gotha WD 15
Gotha · Germany · first flew 1917 · light aircraft
The Gotha WD 15 was the final, considerably redesigned member of the Gotha WD.2 family of single-engine German reconnaissance seaplanes of the First World War, with a plywood-covered fuselage in place of the earlier fabric covering and a Mercedes D.IVa engine.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- German WWI twin-engine biplane floatplane
- Twin inline pusher or tractor engines on lower wing
- Twin-float undercarriage with open crew cockpits
A large biplane floatplane with twin engines, conventional tail, and open cockpits; distinguishable from the smaller WD 9 by its longer fuselage and wider wingspan.
Specifications
- The Gotha WD 15 has a length of 11.2 m (37 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.6 m (58 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 140 km/h (87 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Gotha developed a range of twin-engine seaplanes for the Kaiserliche Marine during World War I. The WD 15 appeared in 1917 as part of this series, intended for North Sea patrol and anti-shipping operations. Production numbers were modest and the type saw limited operational use.
Variants
Part of the WD.2 family alongside the WD.5, WD.9, WD.12 and WD.13; only two WD.15s were built.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) on North Sea and Baltic patrol duties in 1917-1918.
Related aircraft
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