First flown in mid-1917, the Zeppelin-Staaken R VI,
with 18 examples built, was to be by far the most numerous of
the giant, long ranged R-planes. Powered either by four 245hp
Maybach Mb IVs, or four 260hp Mercedes D IVa engines,
mounted back to back in twin nacelles to drive two pusher and
two tractor propellers, the R VI's top level speed was 135km/h,
while its normal range with a 1000kg bomb load was around
880km. Delivered to Rf Abt 501, by now transferred to the
Western Front, the RVIs sometimes operated alongside their
smaller G type bretheren in raids against the English mainland
and more distant French ports and cities.The Navy operated a
sole, float-equipped example of this bomber under the designation
Zeppelin-Staaken Type L, serialled 1432.
I want to make a 1 /72 scale of the Zeppelin Staaken RVI, but I did not find plans or cutaway of this. I KNOW THERE IS A RODEN'S KIT OF THIS AIRCRAFT, I want to make this from zero...Could someone send links or information? thanks!
In response to John's posting, please look at the Zeppelin-Straken R.XV which can be found elsewhere on this site. This aircraft had 5 engines and there were other examples of aircraft with 5 engines during this period.
I have in my possession a very interesting diary written by my brother in law's mother of her time as a nurse in France during WW1. She describes seeing shot down in Villers-Brocage in August 1918 a five engined German bomber with a crew of seven that she descibes as having 1300HP and it was a Frederichs Haven Bomber. I think she's talking about a Friedrichshafen - but also possibly the Zeppelin Staaken - I can't find any reference to a five engined bomber in WW1 on the net - is she mistaken? Thanks for any replies
I am in possession of a original propeller of this unbelievable aircraft, the only other known part is an engine gondola at the Krakow Aviation Museum.
I am preparing a book /exhibition for Southend Museum (England) on my area in the First World War. I was wondering if you could supply a high resolution copy of the photo of the Zeppelin Staaken that appears on your web site? If you would allow me to use this in the book /exhibition, what would be the costs involved, and what form of acknowledgement would you require?
Very many thanks, and best wishes for the new year.
