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.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.