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

L.F.G. Roland D XVI (first version)
  The penultimate Roland lighter was this D XVI parasol monoplane, which was doubtless inspired by the success of the Fokker E V/D VIII parasol. In reverse fashion to the Fokker machine, the Roland had a fabric-covered wing and a plywood-sheet-covered fuselage, the sheet being applied with the grain running diagonally. Engine, 160 h.p. Siemens-Halske Sh III geared rotary. Armament, twin Spandau machine-guns.

L.F.G. Roland D XVI (second version)
  In addition to having a different engine, the second D XVI prototype differed slightly in the shape of its vertical tail surfaces and in that the ply-sheet covering of the fuselage was no longer applied diagonally. Engine, 170 h.p. Goebel Goe III. Armament, twin Spandau machine-guns.

L.F.G. Roland D XVII
  Last of the long line of Roland lighters was this D XVII parasol monoplane. It utilised the same type of fuselage and engine installation as the B.M.W.-powered D XV prototype. Engine, 185 h.p. B.M.W. III. Armament, twin Spandau machine-guns.

W.Green, G.Swanborough The Complete Book of Fighters

LFG ROLAND D XVI Germany

  Two versions of the D XVI parasol monoplane fighter - initially designated E I - were completed in September-October 1918, one powered by a 160 hp Goebel Goe III rotary and the other by a similarly-rated Siemens-Halske Sh III rotary. The D XVI had a fully-cantilevered fabric-covered parasol wing and a slab-sided plywood-covered fuselage, armament comprising twin synchronised 7,9-mm LMG 08/15 machine guns. Although the 3rd D-type contest was officially restricted to types powered by the BMW engine, Idflieg permitted participation of the Sh III-engined D XVI as it was considered "an interesting type". The D XVI proved faster than the Siemens-Schuckert D IV and Fokker D VII up to an altitude of 13,125 ft (4 000 m), but was slower above that height.

Span 31 ft 0 1/2 in (9,46 m).
Length, 19 ft 4 in (5,90 m).


LFG ROLAND D XVII Germany

  The last single-seat fighter to be developed by LFG was the D XVII parasol monoplane powered by a 185 hp BMW IIIa engine. Rolled out on 18 October 1918, the D XVII was in time to be included in the 3rd D-type contest held at Adlershof that month, but was considered markedly inferior to the similarly-powered Fokker V 29 parasol monoplane. During turns the wing of the D XVII oscillated alarmingly and landing was difficult because of a tendency to stall suddenly during the approach if speed was not maintained. No further details are available.