Riesenflugzeugabteilung 501 (Giant Aircraft Detachment 501)

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.

Zeppelin-Staaken R.IV

MANUFACTURER: Flugzeugwerft G.m.b.H. Staaken, Berlin TYPE: Heavy Bomber SERVICE: 1917 to Nov 1918 CREW: Commander (Capt or Lt) Pilot (Lt or an NCO) Co-Pilot (Lt or an NCO) Wireless Operator (NCOs or Enlisted Men) Two Mechanics (NCOs or Enlisted Men) Fuel Attendant (NCO or Enlisted Man) Two Gunners (NCOs or Enlisted Men) ENGINES: Four 260 HP Mercedes Benz DIVa engines, or Four 245 HP Maybach Mb.IVa engines WINGSPAN: 42.2 m (138 ft, 5 ½") LENGTH: 22.1 m (76 ft, 1") HEIGHT: 6.3 m (20 ft, 8") PROPELLER DIAMETER: 4.3 m (14 ft) WEIGHT: 11,460 kg (25,269 lbs) loaded, 7,680 kg, (16,934) empty BOMB LOAD: 1,800 kg (3,969 lbs) MAXIMUM SPEED: 130 kph (77.5 mph) at sea level CEILING: 3800 m (12,467 ft) ENDURANCE: 6-7 hours FUEL: 2115 litres (465 Imp gallons) ARMAMENT: 6-7 machine guns (usually captured British Lewis)