The Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków is completing construction of the world’s only existing replica of the RWD-8, a Polish Army basic trainer and civilian aircraft. The reproduction will be unveiled as part of a new static display dedicated to the history of civil aviation in Poland.
First flown in 1933, the RWD-8 became the standard training aircraft for the Polish Army and a popular choice among civilian flying clubs throughout the 1930s. Designed as a parasol-wing monoplane with mixed construction—featuring a steel and wood frame with canvas and plywood skin—it was praised for its stability, forgiving handling, and excellent gliding performance. Powered by a 110-hp PZ Inż. Junior four-cylinder, air-cooled inverted engine, the RWD-8 had a top speed of 109 mph and a service ceiling of 16,000 feet.
As the most widely produced pre-war Polish trainer, the RWD-8 was exported to several countries in Europe and the Middle East. During the 1939 invasion of Poland, it was pressed into service in liaison and observation roles. Multiple variants were produced to support specific training functions, including versions equipped with night-flying lights, parachute jump boards, glider towing hitches, and cockpit coverings for instrument flight simulation.
With no surviving examples or complete technical documentation, the museum’s conservation team relied on historic photographs, written descriptions, and reports—along with expert craftsmanship—to ensure historical accuracy. Remarkably, the team sourced an original PZ Inż. engine, and a cowling was reproduced with the help of a loan from the Museum of Polish Military Technology. By early 2025, major structural work had been completed, including wing covering, installation of control surfaces, and the fitting of the engine cowling. Upcoming work includes fabricating a replica propeller, painting the aircraft, and preparing it for installation in the new exhibit.
The replica will be officially unveiled on August 24, 2025, during Polish Aviation Day. The ceremony will also mark the grand opening of the museum’s newly constructed Hangar No. 5, which will house a comprehensive exhibit on the history of general aviation in Poland. As the first RWD-8 to be seen since World War II, the museum views this project as a significant milestone in its mission to preserve and honor Poland’s aviation heritage. For more information about the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków, visit www.muzeumlotnictwa.pl.
