L.F.G. Roland C.II

The L.F.G. Roland C.II gave the pilot a superb field of view by moving the to wing to the level of the top of the fuselage, while wing stagger and root cut-outs improved the restricted downward vision. In place of traditional struts and bracing cables, single I-beam interplane struts were used. Tail surfaces were adjusted to compensate for the deep fuselage. In service the major deficiency was that the thin wings would distort, to the detriment of climbing capability. The C.II was nicknamed the Walfisch (Whale). Attention to streamlining and the reduction of drag was paramount in the designers' minds, and when introduced the C.II was a fast as contemporary fighters. In fact, it was difficult to remain in formation with its rival two-seaters from Rumpler, Albatros, and LVG. Landing the C.II was difficult though, due to the pilot's limited downward vision, made worse by the ear radiators.

A C.IIa version was built, but the data is frequently mixed with the original version and the absolute differences between the two are lost to history.

While its service life was substantial, there were never more than sixty-four at the front at any time, as measured by Frontbestand, so it could never be considered a plane that was "common".

Aircraft Chart

1:144 Scale

 * Ares: WGF203A von Richtofen; WGF203B Luftstreitkräfte; WGF203C FFA 292b
 * Shapeways:
 * early version: Reduced Aircraft Factory
 * with front-firing gun: Arctic Skunk, Reduced Aircraft Factory
 * Metal kit: ,
 * Wings of War: WW08G von Richtofen; WW08H Seibert/Pfleger; WW08I Luftstreitskräfte

1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

 * Shapeways: Reduced Aircraft Factory
 * Cast Metal:

1:300 Scale

 * Metal kit: Heroics & Ros GWA323

1:600 Scale

 * Metal kit: