In the mid-1930s, a team of designers led by engineer Andrzej Anczutin began developing popular, affordable sport aircraft at the Experimental Aviation Workshops at Okecie airfield in Warsaw, on commission from LOPP. The result of this work was the RWD-16, first flown in 1936, which proved to be a rather unsuccessful design.
Based on the experience gained, engineer Anczutin designed a new aircraft – the RWD-16 bis, which made its first flight in 1938. Despite the similar designation, it was a new machine, only slightly based on the RWD-16. The new airframe, powered by an inline engine of 60 hp, proved very successful. In parallel with this project, a concept was developed to equip the RWD-16 bis with a 90 hp engine.
The design of the new RWD-21 differed very little from the RWD 16bis. It was a two-seat sport aircraft, built as a cantilever low-wing monoplane with fixed landing gear. The prototype, registered SP-BPE, was first flown in February 1939 by Eugeniusz Przysiecki. In his opinion, the aircraft was very easy and pleasant to fly. Further testing of the prototype demonstrated a significant increase in performance, and serial production was quickly initiated.
The RWD-21 was an economical aircraft with very good handling characteristics. The low wing loading and the slotted ailerons and crocodile flaps improved flight safety, particularly during takeoff and landing phases. The simple wooden construction and the use of welded fittings reduced production costs, thereby lowering the price of the aircraft. The airframe together with the engine cost 20,500 zlotys at the time. An unusual feature of the RWD 21 design was the control stick placed in the centre of the cabin, between the pilots’ seats.
By mid-1939, the first three machines from an ordered series of ten were already completed. Further production was interrupted by the outbreak of war. Until then, RWD-21s were used in aero clubs. In September 1939, two machines were evacuated to Romania, where they survived the war. The fate of the aircraft that ended up in Latvia is unknown.
The RWD-21 on display returned from Romania after the war and, bearing the registration SP-AKG, was operated by the Warsaw Aero Club until 1950.
After being decommissioned, the aircraft was transferred to the Transport Museum, from where it came to the Aviation Museum in Krakow via Wroclaw. The airframe was overhauled at Military Aviation Works No. 3 in Deblin. The engine was also restored and subsequently started. Since 1995, the aircraft has been displayed in its pre-war livery.
| Wingspan | 11.0 m |
| Length | 8.4 m |
| Takeoff weight | 685 kg |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h- |
| Ceiling | 5500 m |
| Range | 650 km |
| Armament | – |
| Engine | 4-cylinder, inline, inverted Cirrus Minor, 90 hp (65 kW) |
