Zeppelin-Staaken R.VI
Staaken L

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. It was wrecked during trials in 1918.

Gallery

R.VI
Engine: 4 x Maybach Mb.IV, 183kW
Max take-off weight: 11848 kg / 26121 lb
Empty weight: 7921 kg / 17463 lb
Wingspan: 42.2 m / 138 ft 5 in
Length: 22.1 m / 73 ft 6 in
Height: 6.3 m / 21 ft 8 in
Wing area: 332 sq.m / 3573.61 sq ft
Max. speed: 135 km/h / 84 mph
Ceiling: 4320 m / 14150 ft
Range: 800 km / 497 miles
Crew: 7
Armament: 4 x 7.92mm machine-guns
Bombload: 2000kg