RWD-5 — Poland’s Daring Record-Breaking Sport and Reconnaissance Monoplane
The RWD-5, first taking to the skies in late 1931, captured imaginations as one of the lightest yet most capable high-performance monoplanes of its era. Designed by the RWD team (Rogalski, Wigura, Drzewiecki) and built by Podlaska Wytwórnia Samolotów, this sleek two-seat aircraft balanced agility, range, and practicality—earning fame both in sport aviation and hand-to-hand frontier reconnaissance.
Elegant High-Wing Monoplane Design
With its graceful braced high wing, slender fuselage, and spatted undercarriage, the RWD-5 projected clean aerodynamics uncommon in early 1930s sport planes. The mixed wood-and-canvas construction kept weight to a minimum—just over 450 kg empty—while a modest yet reliable 100 hp de Havilland Gipsy engine offered crisp handling and surprisingly sprightly cruise performance. Tandem seating under a simple sliding canopy provided excellent visibility for pilot and passenger alike.
Beyond Sport: Pioneering Long-Distance Flights
Though conceived for sport and touring, the RWD-5 truly shone in endurance and record attempts. In September 1933, Polish aviator Stanisława “Stacha” Filipina Pilarska-Radziwiłł flew a modified RWD-5bis nonstop from Warsaw to Tehran (over 4,200 km), setting a new women’s world distance record. Later that same fuselage carried the first Polish-built plane to cross the South Atlantic, cementing the RWD-5’s place in aviation lore—proof that light planes could conquer great divides.
Versatile Reconnaissance and Liaison Work
When war clouds gathered in 1939, a handful of RWD-5s were pressed into service as reconnaissance and courier aircraft. Their low stall speed, strong climb rate, and nimble maneuverability made them ideal for low-level observation and quick message runs between front-line units. Though lightly armed, their greatest asset was stealth—slipping below radar and fighter patrols to gather vital intelligence.
An Enduring Featherlight Legacy
Only a few RWD-5s survive in museums today, yet model-makers and restoration experts continue to celebrate its pioneering spirit. Its blend of simplicity, endurance, and charm—a hallmark of the RWD design philosophy—inspires modern light-plane enthusiasts and reminds us how innovation need not be heavy to make history.
Wear the RWD-5 Spirit: Exclusive T-Shirt Collection
Embrace the elegance and daring of the RWD-5 with our exclusive T-shirt lineup. Each shirt features original hand-sketched artwork highlighting the plane’s slender wingspan and record-breaking profile, printed on ultra-soft cotton for all-day comfort. Whether you’re an aviation buff, a history aficionado, or simply someone who loves tales of trail-blazing firsts, these tees let you carry a piece of interwar Polish ingenuity wherever you go.
Soar into style—explore our RWD-5 collection today and let your wardrobe take flight!
