Gotha WD.8
Gotha · Germany · first flew 1916 · transport aircraft
The Gotha WD.8 was a German twin-engine biplane floatplane of World War I, used for maritime patrol and transport duties over the North Sea and Baltic. It was part of Gotha's WD (Wasser-Doppeldecker, water biplane) series.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.28 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI German twin-engine floatplane
- Biplane flying boat or floatplane configuration
- Used for maritime patrol and transport duties
A large-span biplane with twin tractor engines, central float hull or twin floats, and the boxy fuselage typical of German WD-series naval aircraft.
Specifications
- The Gotha WD.8 has a length of 11.28 m (37 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16 m (52 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 138 km/h (86 mph).
- Typical crew: 2-3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed in 1916, the WD.8 was one of several floatplane types produced by Gotha for the Imperial German Navy. It served alongside other WD-series aircraft in reconnaissance and patrol roles over coastal waters.
Variants
Part of a broader WD series; closely related to other Gotha naval biplane floatplanes of the period.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Imperial German Navy during WWI in maritime patrol and coastal reconnaissance roles.
Related aircraft
- Gotha G.II
- Gotha G.III
- Gotha G.IV
- Gotha WD 13
- Albatros C.III
- Armstrong Whitworth F.K.3
- Curtiss Twin JN
- Dornier Rs.II
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