LFG Roland D.VI

Luft-Fahrzeug-Gesellschaft · Germany · first flew 1917 · fighter

The LFG Roland D.VI was a German single-seat sesquiplane fighter of World War I, characterised by the company's distinctive 'Haifisch' (shark) deep rounded fuselage that merged with the upper wing root and a very narrow lower wing. It was nimble but saw only limited service.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	Distinctive whale-body fuselage cross-section
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

WWI German sesquiplane fighter with very narrow lower wing
Distinctive whale-body fuselage cross-section
Roland's trademark deep fuselage blended with upper wing

The very deep, rounded fuselage blending into the upper wing, combined with the tiny lower sesquiplane wing, gives the Roland D.VI an unmistakable 'torpedo body' appearance quite different from most WWI fighters.

Specifications

The LFG Roland D.VI has a length of 6.32 m (21 ft).
It has a wingspan of 9.42 m (31 ft).
Its maximum speed is 199 km/h (124 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed in 1917 and produced in limited numbers, the D.VI served on the Western Front in the final year of the war. Roland's innovative deep fuselage provided structural advantages but complicated production, limiting the numbers delivered.

Variants

Variants powered by different inline engines (Mercedes and Benz) were produced; no major structural variants beyond engine changes.

Where you'll see it

Operated in small numbers by the German Imperial Air Service on the Western Front in 1917–18; not exported.

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