Hansa-Brandenburg GDW

Image: Wikimedia Commons

An ambitious German prototype floatplane torpedo bomber from 1917, the Hansa-Brandenburg GDW married amphibious capability with strike potential. Its twin engines and larger 24.5-metre wingspan distinguished it from smaller fighter seaplanes of the era. The two-seat configuration allowed pilot and dedicated weapons officer to manage the complex tasks of naval attack, though its 130 km/h speed reflected the weight penalty of floats and ordnance.