The R-planes of World War I were German giant bombers - the largest aircraft of World War I. The 'R' was an abbreviation for 'Riesenflugzeug,' which meant 'giant aircraft.' The R-plane was conceived as a long-range strategic weapon for attacking objectives deep within enemy territory. The aircraft were only produced in small numbers.

NASM.XXXX.0541

[ca. 1918]

Unknown, possibly USAF Museum, unknown, XXXX-0541, Unknown

0.1 Cubic feet ((1 oversized folder))

No restrictions on access

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Drawings

This collection consists of ten linen drawings and two microfilm drawings of the Adlershof R-Planes. Six of the drawings depict a twin fuselage configuration. The drawings originated at Adlershof, Germany, but there is no other information on these drawings.

Drawings

Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests

National Air and Space Museum Archives