Riesenflugzeugabteilung 501 (Giant Aircraft Detachment 501) |
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The exploits of Rfa 501 during the Great War are legendary. During 11 night bombing raids over England, not one of the 30 participating Staaken bombers was brought down over England due to enemy action. A total of 27,190 Kg of high explosives were delivered with substantial effect on the British war effort. This was not so much by the damage itself, although considerable, but by the massive amounts of men and equipment the British retained in England to defend against the German Giants. Rfa 501 also participated in missions on the Eastern and Western fronts throughout the war for a total of 110 combat missions. During these missions only four Staaken R-planes were lost to enemy action. Rfa 501 had approximately five R-planes (Staaken Bombers) at it's disposal at any one time. Each aircraft had two Officers and seven men as flight crew, plus a maintenance crew of approximately 20 men. These included: mechanics, riggers, fitters, electricians and carpenters. |
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Zeppelin-Staaken R.IV |
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