[5] Development of the R.VI benefited from the experience that Siemens-Schuckert and the Idflieg had gained with the R.II, R.III, and R.IV, particularly in its choice of powerplants, where the R.VI was spared from the troublesome Maybach HS engine.

[8] The main undercarriage consisted of divided units, each of which carried dual wheels, and the tail was supported by a pair of tailwheels.

[2] Upon completion, designer Bruno Steffen piloted the R.VI on a test flight in which the aircraft carried a 2,400-kg (5,300-lb) load for six hours,[2] a world record at the time, but one which was never publicised due to the war.

These serials were changed on 13 July 1915 to G.33/15 - G.38/15, for unknown reasons and again on 6 November 1915 to R.2/15 - R.7/15 in the R (Riesenflugzeug - giant aircraft) series, adopting the R.II to R.VII designations.

[6] Specific details of several operational missions while with Rfa 501 have survived:[11] Additionally, the R.VI carried out the following raids together with the R.V:[11] together with the R.VII:[11] and together with the R.IV and R.VII:[11] Data from Kroschel & Stützer 1994, p.141General characteristics Performance Armament