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
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.