Gotha WD 9
Gotha · Germany · first flew 1916 · light aircraft
The Gotha WD 9 was a German single-engine biplane seaplane operated by the Imperial German Navy in World War I for coastal patrol and reconnaissance. It was a smaller type in the Gotha WD (Wasser-Doppeldecker) seaplane series.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engine German WWI biplane seaplane for coastal patrol
- Single central float with wingtip stabilising floats
- Open tandem cockpits on a compact biplane airframe
A compact unequal-span biplane with a single centreline float, wingtip floats, open tandem cockpits, and a tractor inline engine; smaller than the WD 15.
Specifications
- The Gotha WD 9 has a length of 9.8 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.5 m (41 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 130 km/h (81 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1916, the WD 9 was one of several Gotha seaplane designs produced for North Sea and Baltic operations. It served in the reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrol roles, operating from coastal stations and seaplane tenders.
Variants
Part of the Gotha WD series; preceded by the WD 5 and WD 1, followed by the larger WD 15.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Kaiserliche Marine on coastal and over-water patrol duties from 1916.
Related aircraft
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