Why was the Albatros W.5 abandoned as a torpedo bomber?

Short answer

Because its performance disappointed: five W.5s were delivered to the German navy and fell short of the service bomber G.III, with two 220 hp engines, 10 mph faster and far superior climb. All five were withdrawn in early 1918. The W.5 was a biplane torpedo seaplane with two pusher engines.

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Why was the Albatros W.5 abandoned as a torpedo bomber?

Albatros W 3 Q68097

A twin-engine torpedo seaplane

The Albatros W.5 was a torpedo-carrying seaplane used by Germany during World War I. It was a biplane with two engines mounted in pusher configuration. Its wings had a slight sweep. The fin was even more angular than that of the W.3. The fuselage was modified so that the torpedo could be partly housed within it. The crew numbered three. Gross weight reached 3,665 kg (8,080 lb).

Performance compared to the G.III

Maximum speed was 133 km/h (83 mph, 72 kn). Range was 490 km (300 mi, 260 nmi). Five W.5s were delivered to the German navy and their performance proved disappointing. The service version of the conventional bomber, the G.III, was powered by two 220 hp engines, was 10 mph faster and had a much better rate of climb.