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