Hansa-Brandenburg KDW
Hansa-Brandenburg · Germany · first flew 1916 · fighter
The Hansa-Brandenburg KDW (Kampf Doppeldecker Wasser, or fighting biplane water) was a single-seat floatplane fighter developed for the Austro-Hungarian Naval Air Service during World War I. It protected Adriatic naval bases from Allied seaplane attacks.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI Austro-Hungarian single-seat floatplane fighter
- Spider-strut biplane cellule
- Single main central float
Identified by its distinctive star-shaped interplane struts, single central main float with wingtip stabilising floats, and the compact proportions of a dedicated naval fighter.
Specifications
- The Hansa-Brandenburg KDW has a length of 8 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.25 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 172 km/h (107 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Ernst Heinkel for Hansa-Brandenburg, the KDW entered service in 1916 and served in the Adriatic theatre. Its unusual star-pattern interplane strut arrangement was a Heinkel trademark; the type served until replaced by more capable floatplane fighters.
Variants
Several prototype and early-production variants with different engine fits; some had twin floats in place of the central float arrangement.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Austro-Hungarian Naval Air Service over the Adriatic from 1916 to 1917; not used by other nations.
Related aircraft
- Hansa-Brandenburg G.I
- Hansa-Brandenburg W.11
- Hansa-Brandenburg W.12
- Hansa-Brandenburg W.19
- AEG C.IV
- AEG C.V
- AGO C.III
- AGO C.IV
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