We are proud to announce that the construction of a replica of one of the most important aircraft in the history of Polish aviation — the RWD-8 — has entered a crucial phase. The historic model has already received its wings as well as a reconstructed engine cowling, bringing us significantly closer to completing the project! The complete model will be on display from 24 August 2025.
The replica, created by the Museum’s conservation team, will be on display at the new permanent exhibition “With the Wind and Against the Wind. Civil Aviation”, whose opening is planned for 24 August 2025, as part of the celebrations of Polish Aviation Day.
The RWD-8 replica is a striking and faithful reproduction of the legendary Polish aircraft from the 1930s. Despite the lack of complete technical documentation, thanks to preserved photographs, accounts and the extraordinary skills of our specialists, an exceptional level of historical precision has been achieved. The replica has been fitted with an original PZInż. Junior 5800cc engine, and key components such as the engine cowling were faithfully reproduced based on an original borrowed from the Museum of Polish Military Technology — a branch of the Polish Army Museum. Over recent months since the beginning of 2025, the following has been accomplished:
Ahead of us:
The RWD-8 is not only a symbol of Polish technical thought and engineering craftsmanship, but also a witness to the dynamic development of civil and military aviation in the Second Polish Republic. It was the most widely produced pre-war training aircraft, serving both in the military and in aeroclubs, and its flying qualities made it a machine highly valued by pilots. It was on the RWD-8 that future heroes of the skies were trained, and during the September Campaign aircraft of this type served as liaison and reconnaissance planes.
This classic parasol-type high-wing monoplane was designed by the RWD engineering team (Rogalski–Wigura–Drzewiecki) in response to the Polish Army’s need for a new-generation training aircraft. After a series of trials, the RWD-8 won the competition and became the primary training aircraft for the Polish armed forces.
The RWD-8 was produced in two main variants:
These variants differed in, among other things, cabin construction, undercarriage and equipment details. The aircraft was also adapted for:
With a total of over 600 examples (DWL and PWS production combined), the RWD-8 served not only in Poland but was also exported to several European countries and the Middle East. During the September Campaign of 1939, it was used as a light liaison and observation aircraft, capable of operating from improvised landing strips.
Unfortunately, no original example survived the war, which is why our replica represents an attempt to restore the memory of this outstanding design — a symbol of Polish aviation in the Second Polish Republic.
The opening of the exhibition “With the Wind and Against the Wind. Civil Aviation” in the newly built Hangar No. 5 will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the history of Polish civil aviation — both through the lens of the machines and the people who created and flew them.
We warmly invite you to follow the progress of the work and already invite you to attend the exceptional event that will take place on 24 August 2025 at the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków!
