| Zeppelin-Staaken R.XV | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Bomber |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Schütte-Lanz |
| Designer | |
| Primary user | Luftstreitkräfte |
| History | |
| First flight | 25 July 1918 |
| Developed from | Zeppelin-Staaken R.XIV |
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.
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. [1]
As with most Zeppelin Riesenflugzeuge, the R.XV had two engine pods with four engines in a push-pull configuration, large enough for some inflight maintenance. [2] Additional power was provided by a fifth engine mounted in the nose of the aircraft. [1]
At least two of the R.XVs built saw action on the Western Front, late in 1918. [1]
Data from The German Giants [1]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
