Germany’s Argus Motoren Gesellschaft was founded in 1902, producing automotive and motorboat engines, as well as automobile parts. Its first aircraft engine, in 1906, was likely the first of German origin. From 1910 to 1913, most practical flying in Germany was with Argus engines. The early models followed motor car engine construction, were water-cooled in-line types of four to six cylinders, and not noted for reliability or low specific weight. However, Argus engines were so refined by 1912 that practically all German airplanes were equipped with them.
During World War I, Argus was occupied full time in supplying German war office contracts, building the 89.5 kW (120 hp) Type As II and Type As III in large numbers. To fill demand, manufacturing licenses were issued to a number of other firms.
This Argus Type As III DZ powered the Hannover CL II and CL IIIa escort and ground attack 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 World War I
Country of Origin
Germany
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Argus Motoren Gesellschaft
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, In-line, 6-cylinders, Liquid-cooled
Power rating: 134 kW (180 hp) at 1,350 rpm
Displacement: 15.9 L (970 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 145 mm (5.72 in) x 760 mm (6.3 in)
Weight: Unknown
A box of miscellaneous parts including push rods, gears, water or oil tubes, drives, and flanges is housed with the engine; see notes for details.
Dimensions
Storage (Stand): 6 ft. 4 in. × 2 ft. 6 in. × 4 ft. 2 1/2 in. (193 × 76.2 × 128.3cm)
3-D (Engine): 167 × 43.8 × 110.5cm, 195kg (5 ft. 5 3/4 in. × 1 ft. 5 1/4 in. × 3 ft. 7 1/2 in., 430lb.)
Materials
Steel
Plastic
Textile
Rubber
Aluminum
Copper Alloy
Glass
Ceramic
Inventory Number
A19880405000
Credit Line
Gift of Peter H. Sheppard
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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