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

Gotha WD 27
   Designed for long-range patrol and bombing duties, three of these colossal machines were built during 1918, Nos. 4326-4328. They truly came into the Rs category (Riesen-Seeflugzeug, Giant Seaplane), and were powered by four 160 h.p. Mercedes D III engines mounted tandem fashion in twin nacelles, driving neatly spinnered tractor and pusher airscrews. Span, 31.0 m. (101 ft. 8 5/8 in.). Length, 17.6 m. (57 ft. 9 in.). Area, 193 sq.m. (2,084 sq.ft.). Weights: Empty, 4,500 kg. (9,900 lb.). Loaded, 6,690 kg. (14,718 lb.). Speed, 135 km.hr. (84.35 m.p.h.).

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

Gotha WD27

   The Gotha WD23 through WD26 were not built; the final Gotha seaplane design to appear was the WD27. Designed by Rosner and Klaube, three Gotha WD22 long-range maritime reconnaissance seaplanes, Marine Numbers 4326-4328, were ordered for comparison with the Navy's giant Staaken floatplanes. The WD27s had four 175 hp Mercedes D.IIIa engines, two mounted as tractors and two in tandem mounted as pushers, enabling it to remain airborne with one engine out. This was difficult to achieve with the drag from a windmilling propeller; the fixed-pitch propellers of the time could not be feathered to reduce drag. The WD27 also featured folding wings to assist storage.
   The WD27 was reported ready for factory engine trials in December 1918, unfortunately after the Armistice. Listed as complete in January 1919, the WD27 was later destroyed in accordance with Armistice requirements.

Gotha WD22 Specifications
Engines: 4 x 175 hp Mercedes D.IIIa
Wing: Span Upper 34.00 m
Span Lower 31.00 m
Area 197 m2
General: Length 17.60 m
Height 6.00 m
Empty Weight 4700 kg
Loaded Weight 6860 kg
Maximum Speed: 135 km/h
Climb: 1000m 15 min
Duration: 1100 km


Gotha Seaplane Production Summary
Type Ordered Marine Numbers Remarks
WD27 3 4326-4328 Too late for operational service. Only 1 built?