Siemens-Schuckert R.I

Siemens-Schuckert Werke · Germany · first flew 1915 · bomber

The Siemens-Schuckert R.I was one of Germany's earliest Riesenflugzeug (giant aircraft) designs, a large biplane bomber notable for its unconventional internal-engine arrangement in which three inline engines drove two external tractor propellers through long driveshafts and gearboxes.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Giant R-type biplane with engines mounted internally in fuselage driving propellers via driveshafts
• Three-bay equal-span wings with extensive bracing struts and wires
• Twin-boom biplane empennage on the rear fuselage

Distinguished from other WWI giants by the absence of wing-mounted engine nacelles — all power came from internally mounted engines, making the wing leading edge unusually clean for an R-type aircraft of the period.

Specifications

• The Siemens-Schuckert R.I has a length of 17.5 m (57 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 28 m (92 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 110 km/h (68 mph).
• Typical crew: 4.

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

History

First flown on 24 May 1915 and designed by brothers Bruno and Franz Steffen, the R.I conducted approximately 24 test flights before persistent gearbox failures and mechanical unreliability led to its dismantling. It never flew operationally. The programme nonetheless informed subsequent, more successful German R-type development.

Variants

Only one aircraft was completed; no variants followed.

Where you'll see it

Never entered operational service; used solely for manufacturer trials.

Related aircraft

• AEG G.I
• Caudron G.4
• Caudron R.4
• Friedrichshafen FF.31

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