RWD 8

The RWD 8 was a Polish single‑engine high‑wing trainer designed in the early 1930s by the RWD design team at Doświadczalne Warsztaty Lotnicze (Experimental Aviation Workshops). First flown on 16 April 1934, the aircraft entered series production the same year and quickly became the standard primary trainer for the Polish Air Force and numerous civilian flying clubs. Its wooden airframe, covered with fabric, featured a simple, sturdy construction that could tolerate rough airfields and inexperienced pilots. Powered by a 120 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major engine, the RWD 8 achieved a maximum speed of about 180 km/h, a service ceiling of 4 500 m and a forgiving stall characteristic thanks to its generous wing chord and mild dihedral. The open cockpit offered excellent visibility, while the fixed, split‑type landing gear required minimal maintenance. Over 400 examples were built before the outbreak of World War II, and the type remained in service throughout the conflict, often employed for liaison, courier and observation duties. The RWD 8’s reliability, low operating cost and ease of handling made it a cornerstone of Poland’s pre‑war aviation training program and a symbol of the nation’s indigenous aircraft design capability.

Doświadczalne Warsztaty Lotnicze

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification