The
L.F.G. Roland C.II gave the pilot a superb field of view by moving the to wing to the level of the top of the fuselage, while wing stagger and root cut-outs improved the restricted downward vision. In place of traditional struts and bracing cables, single I-beam interplane struts were used. Tail surfaces were adjusted to compensate for the deep fuselage. In service the major deficiency was that the thin wings would distort, to the detriment of climbing capability. The C.II was nicknamed the
Walfisch (Whale). Attention to streamlining and the reduction of drag was paramount in the designers' minds, and when introduced the C.II was a fast as contemporary fighters. In fact, it was difficult to remain in formation with its rival two-seaters from Rumpler, Albatros, and LVG. Landing the C.II was difficult though, due to the pilot's limited downward vision, made worse by the ear radiators.
A C.IIa version was built, but the data is frequently mixed with the original version and the absolute differences between the two are lost to history. This is a model of a late C.IIa with a pilot's Spandau machine gun, an angular roll cage, extra cooling louvers, etc. An
early model C.II is also available.
The models come in both 1:144 and 1:285/6mm/1:288 scale.
The 1:285 model contains two aeroplanes: an early-model C.II and a late-model C.IIa, joined by disposable links. In Detail Plastic the latter comes with detachable, translucent propeller disks, which you can use or dispose of as you prefer.
For more details and gaming information, see
https://linen.miraheze.org/wiki/L.F.G._Roland_C.II.