O.Thetford, P.Gray German Aircraft of the First World War (Putnam)

Siemens-Schuckert B
   This two-seat machine was designed by Steffen and built during 1915 for unarmed tactical reconnaissance. A novel feature in construction was the use of tubular steel wing spars. The aircraft was delivered to the Brieftauben Abteilungen at Ostend at the express request of the Commanding Officer, where it crashed. Usable parts were shipped back to the S.S.W. factory and subsequently used in construction of the E II. Engine, 100 h.p. Siemens-Halske Sh I. Span, 12.4 m. (40 ft. 8 1/4 in.). Length, 6.2 m. (20 ft. 4 3/8 in.). Speed achieved on test, 153 km.hr. (95.625 m.p.h.).

J.Herris Siemens-Schuckert Aircraft of WWI (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 12)

SSW B.I

   In the summer of 1915 brothers Bruno and Franz Steffen, both famous pre-war pilots and aircraft builders who joined SSW in December 1914, began designing single-engine military aircraft. The B.I was a two-seat reconnaissance aircraft powered by a 110 hp Siemens-Halske Sh.I and was the only one of these designs that was not a fighter. The B.I two- bay biplane achieved 95 mph, a good speed for the time, and was sent to BAO (Brieftauben Abteilung Ostende - Carrier Pigeon Section Ostend), a code name for one of Germany's original bombing units, at the request of its commander, Freiherr von Thuna. The only B.I built, it crashed in November 1915 and was not repaired.