PWS-5
Podlaska Wytwórnia Samolotów (PWS) · Poland · first flew 1928 · reconnaissance aircraft
The PWS-5 was a Polish multi-seat liaison aircraft developed in 1928 by Podlaska Wytwórnia Samolotów. The first prototype flew on 28 December 1928.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.78 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Wooden two-seat biplane with rectangular wings joined by N-shaped interplane struts, staggered forward
- Observer in a higher rear cockpit with glazed upper sides and a ring-mounted Lewis gun
- Skoda-built Wright Whirlwind J-5 radial in the nose
A staggered, wooden, rectangular-winged biplane with a tandem two-seat layout.
Specifications
- The PWS-5 has a length of 6.78 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 155 km/h (96 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It was designed for a 1927 contest for a liaison and observation aircraft able to operate from unprepared airfields. The first prototype was designated PWS-7 until the designation system was revised in 1929.
Variants
Two prototypes (PWS-5 and PWS-5a) were followed by five PWS-5t2 aircraft. The PWS-6 was a single development with slats and flaperons.
Where you'll see it
Testing showed a long take-off run, poor handling at slow speed and a low ceiling, and the PZL Ł.2 and Lublin R-X did better. No more were ordered, and the aircraft were used for secondary tasks such as target towing.
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