Doświadczalne Warsztaty Lotnicze
RWD 13
The RWD 13 was a light, high‑wing monoplane designed and built in Poland by the Doświadczalne Warsztaty Lotnicze (Experimental Aviation Workshops) in the mid‑1930s. First flown on 2 June 1935, it was conceived as a versatile touring and liaison aircraft, able to operate from short, unprepared fields. Its wooden construction combined a plywood‑skinned fuselage with a cantilever wing of spruce ribs and canvas covering, delivering a smooth, low‑drag profile. Powered by a 130 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major engine, the RWD 13 could reach a maximum speed of about 210 km/h, cruise at 180 km/h, and carry a pilot plus three passengers or a small cargo load. The aircraft featured spacious, fully glazed cabins, fold‑away seats, and simple, robust landing gear that could be equipped with skis or floats, making it popular in both civilian and military roles. Approximately 70 units were produced before the outbreak of World War II, serving Polish aero clubs, the Air Force for courier and observation duties, and later being exported to several European countries. The RWD 13 demonstrated the effectiveness of economical, multi‑purpose design and remains a symbol of Poland’s pre‑war aeronautical ingenuity.
Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 7.85 metre
- Height
- 2.05 metre
Performance
- Service Ceiling
- 4200 metre
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1935