Caudron R.4
Caudron · France · first flew 1915 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Caudron R.4 was a French twin-engine biplane used during World War I for long-range reconnaissance and bombing, with a central crew nacelle between two wing-mounted engines.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- World War I French twin-engine biplane with a boxy central nacelle
- Two crew in central nacelle
- Used for long-range reconnaissance and bombing
A large biplane with a rear structure carrying a conventional tail unit, two tractor engines in the wings, and a central nacelle housing the crew.
Specifications
- The Caudron R.4 has a length of 11.8 m (39 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.1 m (69 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 136 km/h (85 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Caudron R series was developed from the earlier G.4, replacing it with a three-seat layout optimised for long-range operations. The R.4 entered service in 1915 with the French air service and was also used by the Royal Flying Corps. It conducted raids on German industrial targets.
Variants
The R.4 was succeeded by the R.11 which offered better performance and defensive armament for escort and bomber missions.
Where you'll see it
The R.4 served with the French Aviation militaire and the Royal Flying Corps on the Western Front during World War I.
Related aircraft
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