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 evaluation at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment's (A & AEE) testing grounds in Martlesham Heath. It was pitted against the Vickers Virginia competitor during these trials. Notably, despite carrying equal weights, the W.8D outperformed its rival and boasted a lighter overall design.