R-class Riesenflugzeug
Various (Zeppelin-Staaken, Siemens-Schuckert, AEG) · Germany · first flew 1916 · bomber
The German R-class (Riesenflugzeug, 'giant aircraft') were the largest operational aircraft of the First World War, conducting long-range bombing raids on England and the Eastern Front.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | enclosed crew cabin in thick fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- enormous multi-engine WWI biplane
- tractor and pusher engine pairs in tandem nacelles
- enclosed crew cabin in thick fuselage
The colossal biplane span immediately distinguishes it from any other WWI type. Look for the paired engine nacelles mounted between the wings with tractor-pusher arrangements, and a large enclosed fuselage nose housing the crew — quite unlike the open cockpits of contemporary bombers.
Specifications
- The R-class Riesenflugzeug has a length of 22.1 m (73 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 42.2 m (138 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 135 km/h (84 mph).
- Typical crew: 7.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from 1915 onward by several manufacturers under military contracts, the R-class represented Germany's strategic bombing ambition. Zeppelin-Staaken's R.VI became the most produced variant, flying raids on London from bases in Belgium. Their sheer size demanded complex multi-crew operation and four or more engines.
Variants
The class encompassed designs from AEG, Siemens-Schuckert, Zeppelin-Staaken, and Schutte-Lanz, differing in engine arrangement and span. The Zeppelin-Staaken R.VI with 42.2 m wingspan was the definitive type; some later variants reached six engines.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the German Luftstreitkräfte from 1916 to the Armistice, conducting raids over England, the Western Front, and Russia. Very few survived the war; none remain flying today.
Related aircraft
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