Oertz W 5

The Oertz W 5, created by German designer Max Oertz in the early 1920s, was a modest yet innovative single‑seat sport monoplane that embodied the post‑World‑War I enthusiasm for civilian aviation. First flown in 1923 at the Johannisthal airfield, the W 5 emerged from Oertz’s small workshop in Berlin, where he sought to produce an affordable, easy‑to‑maintain aircraft for flying clubs and private pilots. Its airframe was built of lightweight spruce ribs covered with doped fabric, while the cantilever wing featured a gentle 5° dihedral and a simple aileron system that gave responsive roll control without external bracing. Powered by a 35 hp Haacke HFM‑2 two‑stroke engine, the W 5 could reach 120 km/h (75 mph) and sustain a modest 4‑hour endurance, allowing pilots to explore regional routes and perform basic aerobatics.

The aircraft’s significance lies in its contribution to the democratization of flight in Germany during a period of strict treaty restrictions. By demonstrating that modest powerplants could safely support reliable operation, the W 5 helped lay the groundwork for the later surge of light sport aircraft in Europe, influencing design philosophies that prioritized simplicity, low cost, and pilot accessibility. Its legacy endures as a testament to Max Oertz’s vision of making aviation attainable for the broader public.

Max Oertz

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