Siemens-Schuckert R.VII

Overview

The Siemens-Schuckert R.VII was a bomber aircraft built in Germany during World War I. It was one of six aircraft based on the Siemens-Schuckert R.I that were originally intended to be identical, but which each developed in a different direction and were designated as different aircraft types by the German Inspectorate of Flying Troops (the Idflieg). Development of earlier derivatives of the R.I revealed serious problems with the Maybach HS engine originally specified for these aircraft, and the R.VII was fitted with Mercedes D.IVa engines instead. From February 1917 to the summer of that year, the R.VII saw service on the Eastern Front before it was retired to training duties.