Wingspan 42 m First flight July 25, 1918 | Length 22 m Designer Ferdinand von Zeppelin | |
The Zeppelin-Staaken R.XV was an Imperial German bomber of World War I. An incremental improvement to the Zeppelin-Staaken R.VI, this was one of a series of large strategic bombers called Riesenflugzeuge intended to be less vulnerable than dirigibles in use at the time.
Contents
Development
Almost identical to the R.XIV, the R.XV had a lighter airframe and more refined aerodynamics, in an effort to improve performance. Three aircraft were ordered, (R.46 to R.48); all three being completed by 1 September 1918.
As with most Zeppelin Riesenflugzeuge, the R.XV had two engine pods with 4 engines in a push-pull configuration, large enough for some in-flight maintenance. Additional power was provided by a fifth engine mounted in the nose of the aircraft.
Operational history
At least two of the R.XVs built saw action on the Western Front, late in 1918.
Operators
Specifications (Zeppelin-Staaken R.XV)
Data from The German Giants
General characteristics
Performance
Armament