During service trials of the prototype undertaken by the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A & AEE) at Martlesham Heath, it was evaluated against the rival Vickers Virginia. While bearing equal payloads, the W.8D proved to possess superior performance, as well as being a lighter aircraft overall.
The prototype underwent assessment at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment's (A & AEE) facility in Martlesham Heath. It was compared to the Vickers Virginia during these tests. Interestingly, despite carrying equal weights, the W.8D showed superior performance and a lighter overall construction.