The Linke-Hoffmann R.I was half covered with transparent Cellon in an attempt at partial invisibility. It achieved the opposite effect, partly because the Cellon discoloured rapidly, but mainly because it reflected the sun so strongly.

Both R.I prototypes used four 260hp Mercedes D.IVa engines, carried inside the fuselage, powering two chain-driven propellers.

Further experimentation with unorthodox propulsion configurations would lead to the Li. R.II - a massive aircraft with all four engines driving a single airscrew in the nose.

Rosebud's WWI and Early Aviation Image Archive