[5] The aircraft's development was impeded by the unreliability of its Maybach HS engines,[2] and when it was eventually accepted for military service, it was only in a training role.
[8] The main undercarriage consisted of divided units, each of which carried dual wheels, and the tail was supported by a pair of tailwheels.
[2] The fuselage was forked into an upper and lower section, which allowed a clear field of fire to the rear of the aircraft.
[2] By this time, the Idflieg had relaxed its specifications for the R-types ordered from Siemens-Schuckert,[9] and with the Benz engines fitted, the R.III was able to meet the lowered standard.
These serials were changed on 13 July 1915 to G.33/15 - G.38/15, for unknown reasons and again on 6 November 1915 to R.2/15 - R.7/15 in the R (Riesenflugzeug - giant aircraft) series, adopting the R.II to R.VII designations.