Argus As-5

A giant engine that was meant to be a way around the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty of Versailles prohibited Germany from building, among other things, multi-engine aircraft after World War I. The Argus As-5, designed by engineer Riedel, was an attempt to circumvent these prohibitions and realise plans to build a large aircraft powered by a single powerful engine. This project was never completed. Three engine prototypes were built and subjected only to ground tests. The Argus As-5 is the largest exhibit in the museum’s collection of piston engines.