[1] Claudius Dornier gained the attention of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin while working on a proposed trans-atlantic airship during 1913.

Later he appointed him as chief designer of the Zeppelin-Werke at Lindau, responsible for building large patrol flying boats.

The fuselage was also made up from formed steel members built up into a framework which was then covered with fabric or dural sheeting.

Unable to beach the giant flying boat, attempts were made to ride out the storm on the lake, but the moorings gave and the Rs.I was dashed to pieces on the lakeside rocks.

The RsI is noteworthy for the construction materials used as well as its size; it was the largest aeroplane in the world at the time of its launch.