Siemens-Schuckert R.V
Siemens-Schuckert · Germany · first flew 1916 · bomber
The Siemens-Schuckert R.V was a progressive development of Germany's WWI Riesenflugzeug strategic bomber series, sharing the same fundamental multi-engine buried-power-plant concept as its predecessors. Its 34 m biplane wing gave it the range and payload needed for strategic missions.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × piston, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 17.7 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Three-engine WWI Riesenflugzeug biplane
- 34 m wingspan with engines between the wings
- Tractor-pusher propeller layout driven by internal shafts
Virtually identical externally to the R.III and R.VI, sharing the same enormous 34 m biplane wings and embedded-engine arrangement; sub-type identification required close inspection of power plant details.
Specifications
- The Siemens-Schuckert R.V has a length of 17.7 m (58 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 34.33 m (113 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 132 km/h (82 mph).
- Typical crew: 7–9.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Built in 1916 as part of the continuing Siemens-Schuckert giant aircraft programme, the R.V refined lessons learned from earlier marks. The series as a whole was technically ambitious but produced in very small numbers due to manufacturing complexity. Only a handful of each mark were completed.
Variants
The R.V was one of several closely related marks in the Siemens-Schuckert R-series, differing in engine arrangements and minor structural details from the R.III and R.IV.
Where you'll see it
Like other Siemens-Schuckert R types, the R.V saw limited operational service during World War One; mechanical reliability remained the primary constraint on operations.
Related aircraft
- Siemens-Schuckert D.I
- Siemens-Schuckert R.IV
- Siemens-Schuckert R.VI
- Siemens-Schuckert D.III
- AEG G.IV
- AEG R.I
- Airco DH.3
- Airco DH.4
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