O.Thetford, P.Gray German Aircraft of the First World War (Putnam)

Gotha WD 3
   Built in July 1915, this aircraft was to the twin-boom formula with a central nacelle housing the 160 h.p. Mercedes engine and pusher airscrew. The observer sat in the extreme nose and was armed with a machine-gun; a radio transmitter was also installed. Only a single aircraft (Marine No. 259) was supplied. Engine, 160 h.p. Mercedes D III. Span, 15.6 m. (51 ft. 2 1/4 in.). Area, 54 sq.m. (583 sq.ft.). Weights: Empty, 1,105 kg. (2,431 lb.). Loaded, 1,710 kg. (3,762 lb.). Speed, 100 km.hr. (62.5 m.p.h.). Armament, one manually operated Parabellum machine-gun in nose.

J.Herris Gotha Aircraft of WWI (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 6)

Gotha WD3

   Powered by a 160 hp Mercedes D.III engine, the Gotha WD3 was one of the few pusher aircraft built in Germany. This aircraft, Marine Number 259, was a three-seat reconnaissance floatplane. Ordered in August 1914, it was not delivered until 14 September 1915, so was not a priority project.
   The pusher configuration had advantages; the observer(s) had a clear view and field of fire forward, free of propeller turbulence and exhaust fumes. However, the additional weight and drag of the pusher design typically reduced its performance compared to tractor designs. The one WD3 built was flown at Warnemunde as a trainer.

Gotha WD3 Specifications
Engine: Wing: 160 hp Mercedes D.III
Span Upper Span Lower Area 15.65 m 14.35 m 54 m2
General: Empty Weight 1185 kg
Loaded Weight 1729 kg
Maximum Speed: 100 km/h
Climb: 1000m 24 min
Service Ceiling 2200 m
Range: 670 km


Gotha Seaplane Production Summary
Type Ordered Marine Numbers Remarks
WD3 1 259 Flown at Warnemunde as a trainer