Zeppelin Staaken R.V
Zeppelin-Werke Staaken · Germany · first flew 1917 · bomber
The Zeppelin Staaken R.V was a 1917 development of the Riesenflugzeug programme with the longest fuselage (23 m) of the main R-type series, while sharing the 42.2 m biplane wingspan with later marks. It was one of the formidable German giant bombers that conducted raids on England during 1917–18.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Largest fuselage of the R-type series at 23 m |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Five- or four-engine WWI Riesenflugzeug with 42.2 m biplane wingspan
- Largest fuselage of the R-type series at 23 m
- Tractor-pusher engine pairs in nacelles straddling the wing struts
The longest fuselage of the main R-type series (23 m) is the primary distinguishing feature; otherwise shares the 42.2 m biplane wing and four-engine tractor-pusher layout with the R.VII and R.XIV.
Specifications
- The Zeppelin Staaken R.V has a length of 23 m (75 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 42.2 m (138 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 135 km/h (84 mph).
- Typical crew: 7–9.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Completed in 1917 as the Rfa units were ramping up operations against Britain, the R.V contributed to the series of strategic raids on London and other targets that caused significant alarm among the British public. The R-types typically flew at night to reduce vulnerability to interception, exploiting their endurance for cross-Channel missions.
Variants
The R.V is distinct from the R.IV, R.VI, R.VII, R.XIV, and R.XV within the series by its 23 m fuselage length; it is otherwise of the same general configuration.
Where you'll see it
The Zeppelin Staaken R.V served with German strategic bombing units in 1917 and contributed to raids on England; it was retired or destroyed following the Armistice.
Related aircraft
- Zeppelin-Staaken R.VII
- Zeppelin-Staaken R.XIV
- Zeppelin-Staaken R.XV
- Airco DH.9
- Albatros C.VIII
- Avro 529
- Breguet 14 B.2
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