Siemens-Schuckert R.II
Siemens-Schuckert · Germany · first flew 1915 · bomber
The Siemens-Schuckert R.II was one of Germany's early Riesenflugzeug (R-plane) giant bombers of the First World War, designed to carry heavy bomb loads over long distances to strategic targets.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Open crew positions in a large boxy fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI German giant R-plane heavy bomber
- Massive biplane with three engines driving tractor propellers
- Open crew positions in a large boxy fuselage
Enormous biplane span of 38 m is the key recognition feature. Multiple engines, massive strut-and-wire structure, and a large enclosed nacelle are typical of WWI R-planes.
Specifications
- The Siemens-Schuckert R.II has a length of 18.5 m (61 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 38 m (125 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 110 km/h (68 mph).
- Typical crew: 7.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Built by Siemens-Schuckert and first flown in 1915, the R.II was among the earliest of the German R-series bombers. These giant aircraft were complex to operate and maintain, and only a small number were built before production moved to more refined designs.
Variants
The R.II was part of a development series (R.I through R.VIII); each variant refined the formula of multiple engines driving propellers through gearboxes.
Where you'll see it
Used by the German Air Service (Luftstreitkräfte) for strategic bombing operations on the Eastern and Western Fronts.
Related aircraft
- Siemens-Schuckert R.III
- Siemens-Schuckert D.I
- Siemens-Schuckert R.IV
- Siemens-Schuckert R.V
- AEG G.I
- Caudron G.4
- Caudron R.4
- Friedrichshafen FF.31
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.