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Founded in Germany in 1902 to manufacture automobile parts and automotive and marine engines, Argus Motoren Gesellschaft produced its first aircraft engine in 1906, likely the first of German origin. From 1910 to 1913, most practical flying experience in Germany was gained with Argus engines and, by 1912, practically all German airplanes were equipped with them.

During World War I, Argus was occupied full time supplying German war office contracts, building the 89 kW (120 hp) Type As II and this Type As III in large numbers. To fill demand, manufacturing licenses were issued to firms such as Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nurnberg, Adam Opel A.G., Gasmotorenfabrik Deutz, Guldner-Aschaffenburg, Stoewer and Schweizerische Lokomotivfabrik Wintherthur.

The Opel Type III was designed by the Argus Motoren Gesellschaft and built by the Adam Opel Motor Works of Russelsheim, Germany about 1916 -1917. The Argus Type As III DZ powered the Hannover CL II and CL IIIa aircraft during World War I.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date Circa 1916 - 1917 Country of Origin Germany Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Opel Motor Works (Russelsheim, Germany)
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 6 cylinders, in-line, water cooled Power rating: 134 kW (180 hp) at 1,400 rpm Displacement: 15.9 L (968 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 145 mm (5.71 in.) x 160 mm (6.30 in.) Weight: 343 kg (756 lb) Dimensions Length 188 cm (74 in.), Width 70.8 cm (27.9 in.), Height 121 cm (47.6 in.)
 Materials Steel
Aluminum
Paint
Copper Alloy
Rubber
 Inventory Number A19340007000 Credit Line Transferred from the War Department, Air Corps, Materiel Division, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio Transferred from the War Department, Air Corps, Materiel Division, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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