Zeppelin-Staaken R.VI

The giant Riesenflugzeug bombers were marvels of their time. The only model to reach series production was the Zeppelin-Staaken R.VI, with the production load spread to Staaken (4), Aviatik (6), Schütte-Lanz (5), and O.A.W. (3).

Two pilots shared flying responsibilities, aided by a radio operator and navigator directly to their rear. A mechanic sat between the wings and two gunners shared the aft position, with a ventral position in the floor for use as necessary. A nose gunner completed the crew. Starting in September 1917 they began bombing mission on both the U.K. and France with Risenflugzeugabteilung (Rfa) 500 and 501.

According to some, none of the R.VIs were lost due to enemy action. Others attribute two losses to enemy fire and eight in crashes.

R.VIs made 52 raids on London, dropping 2772 bombs of 196 tonnes in total weight.

1:144 Scale

 * Ares: WGF304A Schoeller; WGF304B Schilling
 * Shapeways: Columbia Aerodrome (25/16), wow
 * Metal+Resin kit:

1:200 Scale

 * Shapeways: wow

1:300 Scale

 * Metal kit: Heroics & Ros GWA312