History

The Rumpler C.I was one of the first reconnaissance biplane entering German service in 1915. It was used until the end of the war.

Initially the aircraft was armed with one Parabellum machine gun for the gunner/observer, but later a fixed, synchronized Spandau machine gun was added. The Rumpler C.I was also used as a light bomber and it could take a bomb load of about 100 kg.

A version was Rumpler C.Ia, equipped with a 180 hp Argus As.III engine replacing the 160 hp Mercedes D.III.

The Rumpler 6B-1 was a single seat float version.

A series of Rumplers was delivered as unarmed trainers with a 150 hp Benz Bz.III engine. These trainers were kept in service until the end of the war.

 

Technical information Rumpler C.I
Dimensions:
Length: 7,85 m Wingspan: 12,15 m
Height: 3,06 m Wing area: 35,7 m2
Weights:
Empty weight: 793 kg Max. start weight: 1300 kg
Performances:
Max. speed: 150 km/u Rate of climb: - m/min
Range: 4 hrs Service ceiling: 5050 m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: One Mercedes D.III rated 160 hp
Crew: Two men: one aviator plus one observer/air gunner
Armament: 100 kg bombs; One fixed, forward firing 7,9 mm Spandau LMG 08/15 machine gun

 

Technical information Rumpler C.IA
Dimensions:
Length: 7,85 m Wingspan: 12,15 m
Height: 3,06 m Wing area: 35,7 m2
Weights:
Empty weight: 815 kg Max. start weight: - kg
Performances:
Max. speed: - km/u Rate of climb: - m/min
Range: 600 km Service ceiling: 5200 m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: One Argus As III rated 180 hp
Crew: Two men: one aviator plus one observer/air gunner
Armament: 100 kg bombs; One fixed, forward firing 7,9 mm Spandau LMG 08/15 machine gun

 


The first Rumpler C.I, German serial 2560/17 made an emergency landing on December 1, 1917 near Geldrop and was interned as R410. On February 5, 1918 the aircraft was destroyed in an accident and written off.

The second Rumpler C.I, serial 8364/17 landed October 29, 1918 near Nederweert and was interned as R480.

The third, a Rumpler C.Ia, 968/17 laded in good condition on August 23, 1917 near Elburg. The German markings were painted over with Dutch markings and Van Heyst flew the aircraft to Soesterberg, where it received serial LA49 . In 1918 the serial was changed in R409.

Rumpler C.I 2560/17 landde op 1 december 1917 te Zesgehuchten bij Geldrop. Ned.reg. R410.
Rumpler C.I 2560/17 landed on December 1, 1917 near Zesgehuchten near Geldrop. 
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Rumpler C.I R410, ex-2560/17 op Soesterberg, januari 1918.
Rumpler C.I R410, ex-2560/17 at Soesterberg, January 1918.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Rumpler C.I R410, ex 2560/17, op Soesterberg, januari 1918.
Rumpler C.I R410, ex 2560/17, at Soesterberg, January 1918.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Rumpler C.I met reg. R410, ex 2560/17, op Soesterberg ergens in januari 1918.
Rumpler C.I serial R410, ex 2560/17, at Soesterberg, January 1918.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Lt. R. Drost in de cockpit van Rumpler C.I R410, jan. 1918.
Lt. R. Drost seen here in the cockpit of Rumpler C.I R410.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Rumpler C.I R410 verongelukte op 5 febr. 1918 in de start van Soesterberg. Lt.vl. R. Drost ongedeerd. Met oranje bollen.
Rumpler C.I R410 crashed on February 5, 1918 during take-off at Soesterberg. Airman Lt.vl. R. Drost unharmed.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Rumpler C.Ia LA49, ex 968/17, op Soesterberg najaar 1917. Met oranje bollen. Later reg. R409.
Rumpler C.Ia LA49, ex 968/17, at Soesterberg.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Rumpler C.Ia LA49, ex 968/17, op Soesterberg najaar 1917. Later reg. R409. Met oranje bollen.
Rumpler C.Ia LA49, ex 968/17, at Soesterberg.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Rumpler C.Ia LA49, ex 968/17, op Soesterberg najaar 1917. Later reg. R409.
Rumpler C.Ia LA49, ex 968/17, at Soesterberg autumn 1917.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Rumpler C.Ia LA49, ex 968/17, op Soesterberg najaar 1917. Later reg. R409. Met oranje bollen. Op de achtergrond links een Farman HF.22.
Rumpler C.Ia LA49, ex 968/17, at Soesterberg.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 


Rumpler C.I
SerialWerknr.(German) Bestellnr.Date in serviceDate out of serviceNotes
R410   2560/17 01-12-1917 05-02-1918  
R480   8364/17 29-10-1918    

 

Rumpler C.IA
Serial2nd SerialWerknr.(German) Bestellnr.Date in serviceDate out of serviceNotes
LA49 R409   968/17 23-08-1917 1920  

 


1/72nd Scale

Kits

  • Lüdemann
    • Kit Xx: Ludemann released a resin kit of this type.
  • Joystick
    • JOY6: a vacu formed model
  • Chorozy
    • MKB006: a resin kit
    • MKA072: Rumpler C1

Modelling add-on

  • Aeroclub
    • Set E074: An Benz 200 HP engine for LVG and Rumpler
    • Set P050: German Wooden Prop + Spinner (Rumpler CIV, 6B)
  • Miniworld
    • Set A72-16: Parabellum LMG.14

Decals

  • Blue Rider
    • Set BR212: Decalset with decals for several Dutch aircraft such as Rumpler LA49

1/48th Scale

Kits

  • Planet
    • Set 145: Rumpler C1

Modelling add-on

  • --
    • Set --: --

Decals

  • --
    • Set --: --

 


SchemeColour nameFS-numberBS-numberHumbrolXtraColorVallejo Model ColorVallejo Model Air
                 

Check www.paint4models.com for an extensive conversion table with lots of colour and paint systems.

 


Literature.

Nederlandse Militaire Luchtvaart in beeld, deel 1 H. Hooftman Pag. 49 1977 Uitgave: Europese Bibliotheek, Zaltbommel
KLu Vliegtuigen: De vliegtuigen van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht vanaf 1913 Wim Schoenmaker & Thijs Postma Pag. 17 1987 Uitgeverij De Alk, Alkmaar
Vintage Aviation fotofax German Bombers of World War One Imrie, Alex Pag. 20 1990 Uitgever: Arms and Armour Press, Poole, Dorset
Camouflage en Kentekens J.Greuter e.a.   1997 Bonneville – Bergen (NH)
Air Enthusiast no.80 The Historical Aviation Journal: Unexpected Windfalls Bart van der Klaauw Pag. 54 - 59 1999 Uitgever: Key Publishing, Stamford

 

Websites.

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