Rohrbach Ro IV
Rohrbach Metall-Flugzeugbau · Germany · first flew 1925 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Rohrbach Ro IV, also known as the Beardmore BeRo.2 Inverness, was an all-metal monoplane flying boat of the 1920s. It was designed by the German company Rohrbach for the British Royal Air Force.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Slab-sided fuselage accommodating a crew of four |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- All-metal duralumin high-wing cantilever monoplane flying boat
- Two engines in streamlined tractor nacelles above the wing centre section
- Slab-sided fuselage accommodating a crew of four
A large metal flying boat with a high cantilever wing and two 450 hp Napier Lion engines in nacelles above the wing.
Specifications
- The Rohrbach Ro IV has a length of 17.35 m (57 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 28.65 m (94 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 180 km/h (112 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
William Beardmore and Company licensed Rohrbach designs in 1924 and in November 1924 received an order for two flying boats based on the Ro III but powered by Napier Lion engines. The first aircraft, assembled in Rohrbach's Copenhagen factory, was delivered to Felixstowe on 18 September 1925.
Variants
The first aircraft was built in Denmark by Rohrbach's subsidiary and the second was assembled by Beardmore from parts made in Berlin. The second revised the fuel and cooling system and modified the rudder.
Where you'll see it
Testing showed poor handling in the air and on the water and poor performance. The first aircraft was destroyed during strength testing in May 1927. The second did not fly until 30 November 1928, and the programme was stopped in April 1929.
Related aircraft
- Rohrbach Ro VII Robbe
- Rohrbach Ro.III Rodra
- Rohrbach Ro IX Rofix
- Rohrbach Ro XI Rostra
- Aichi Experimental Type 15-Ko Reconnaissance Seaplane
- Albatros L 65
- Ansaldo A.120
- Armstrong Whitworth Atlas
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