It was a two-seat multi-role aircraft, primarily used as a ground attack machine.

Like the other Hannover "light-C-class", or "CL" designated aircraft designed by Hermann Dorner, it included an unusual biplane tail, allowing for a greater firing arc for the tail gunner.

Compared to the preceding CL.II, the CL.III had redesigned ailerons with aerodynamic balances that overhung the wingtips, a modification that provided greater manoeuvrability, especially at the low levels that the CL.III was expected to be operating at in its new ground-attack role as the Schutzstaffeln (escort squadrons) were reassigned as Schlachtstaffeln (battle squadrons).

After the war, the CL.III was developed into the HaWa F.3, a limousine aircraft with seats for two passengers in an enclosed cabin, where the gunner's cockpit had been.

Data from Windsock Datafile No.23[2] & German Aircraft of the First World War[3]General characteristics Performance Armament