Siemens-Schuckert R.VI

Siemens-Schuckert · Germany · first flew 1916 · bomber

The Siemens-Schuckert R.VI was a 1916 development in the German Riesenflugzeug programme, featuring a slightly shorter wingspan than the R.III and R.V while retaining the same multi-engine buried-power-plant philosophy. It represented incremental refinement within a complex and technically challenging programme.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Three-engine WWI Riesenflugzeug biplane
• Slightly reduced 33.36 m wingspan compared to R.III/R.V
• Central engine nacelle with shaft drive to wing-mounted propellers

Almost identical in appearance to R.III and R.V; the marginally shorter wingspan (33.36 m vs 34.33 m) is the principal dimensional difference detectable only by measurement.

Specifications

• The Siemens-Schuckert R.VI has a length of 17.7 m (58 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 33.36 m (109 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

Produced alongside the R.IV and R.V in 1916, the R.VI continued Siemens-Schuckert's exploration of giant strategic bombers. The development effort consumed significant resources without producing large operational fleets, reflecting the general difficulty of WWI heavy bomber programmes.

Variants

No distinct sub-variants of the R.VI are recorded; it is distinguished from closely related marks primarily by its 33.36 m wingspan.

Where you'll see it

Operational service was minimal; the handful of completed airframes were used for evaluation and limited operational trials on the Eastern Front.

Related aircraft

• Siemens-Schuckert D.I
• Siemens-Schuckert R.IV
• Siemens-Schuckert R.V
• Siemens-Schuckert D.III
• AEG G.IV
• AEG R.I
• Airco DH.3
• Airco DH.4

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