Gotha WD.11

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WD.11
Type Torpedo bomber
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Gotha
Maiden flight 1916
Primary user German Navy
Number built 12

The Gotha WD.11 (for Wasser Doppeldecker - "Water Biplane") was a torpedo bomber seaplanes developed in Germany during World War I. When the general configuration of the Gotha WD.7 proved promising, Gotha set to work designing a much larger and more powerful aircraft along the same general lines. Like its precessessor, it was a conventional biplane with twin engines mounted tractor-fashion on the lower wing. The pilot and observer sat in tandem, open cockpits and the landing gear consisted of twin pontoons. Twelve examples were built for the German Navy.

[edit] Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two, pilot and observer
  • Powerplant: 2 × Mercedes D.III, 120 kW (160 hp) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 120 km/h (75 mph)
  • Rate of climb: 1.3 m/s (250 ft/min)

Armament

  • 1 × trainable, forward-firing machine gun in nose for observer
  • 1 × 725 kg (1,600 lb) torpedo


[edit] References

  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 428. 
  • World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing, File 895 Sheet 09.