Zeppelin-Staaken R.XIV
Zeppelin-Werke Staaken · Germany · first flew 1918 · bomber
The Zeppelin-Staaken R.XIV was a 1918 variant of Germany's Riesenflugzeug strategic bomber programme, sharing the 42.2 m biplane wingspan with the R.VII but featuring a slightly longer fuselage and uprated powerplant. It represented the refinement of a concept that had proven operationally viable over England.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 22.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Late-war German Riesenflugzeug biplane with 42.2 m wingspan
- Four engines in tractor-pusher wing nacelles
- Improved payload capacity over earlier R-types with same basic configuration
Externally virtually identical to the R.VII; the 0.4 m longer fuselage and slightly different engine cowling details are the only external distinguishing features without reference documents.
Specifications
- The Zeppelin-Staaken R.XIV has a length of 22.5 m (74 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
Appearing in 1918 as Germany sought to extend the range and payload of its strategic bombing campaign, the R.XIV was built in small numbers. The Armistice in November 1918 ended operations before the type could make a significant independent contribution. The surviving Zeppelin-Staaken R-types were among the most impressive aircraft of the entire war.
Variants
The R.XIV is a distinct mark within the Zeppelin-Staaken R-series; its slightly longer fuselage (22.5 m vs 22.1 m) and marginally higher speed (135 vs 130 km/h) differentiate it from the R.VII.
Where you'll see it
The R.XIV served briefly with German Rfa units in the final months of WWI; all surviving aircraft were destroyed or surrendered under Armistice terms.
Related aircraft
- Zeppelin-Staaken R.XV
- Zeppelin Staaken R.V
- Zeppelin-Staaken R.VII
- AEG G.V
- Airco DH.10 Amiens
- Blackburn Kangaroo
- Bristol Braemar
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