DFW R.II
Deutsche Flugzeug-Werke (DFW) · Germany · first flew 1917 · bomber
The DFW R.II was a German Riesenflugzeug (giant aeroplane) of WWI, one of the massive strategic bombers designed to attack targets deep in enemy territory when the smaller Gotha types were deemed insufficient.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 20.9 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI German Riesenflugzeug giant bomber
- four engines in tandem pairs
- massive biplane span
The enormously long biplane span and the absence of nacelle-mounted engines (the motors were buried in the fuselage) distinguish the DFW R-types from more conventional twin-engine Gotha bombers.
Specifications
- The DFW R.II has a length of 20.9 m (69 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 33 m (108 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 135 km/h (84 mph).
- Typical crew: 9.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Deutsche Flugzeug-Werke developed its R-series giants in 1917–18 as part of Germany's programme to build aircraft of unprecedented size for strategic bombardment. The R.II was powered by four Mercedes engines arranged in tandem push-pull pairs within the fuselage, driving wing-mounted propellers via shaft drives — a complex and failure-prone arrangement that limited operational use.
Variants
The DFW R series comprised several experimental variants; the R.II was among the later and larger examples.
Where you'll see it
Completed too close to the Armistice to see meaningful operational service; evaluated by the German military but the war ended before deployment.
Related aircraft
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