three more prototypes were ordered, one d.iie, with the original sized wings, and two d.iic's, fitted with shorter and longer span wings. after completion in october 1917, the design proved promising and in december an order for twenty long-span d.iic's was placed with a smaller 4-bladed propeller that allowed for shorter landing gear legs. deliveries of these aircraft, now known as d.iii, began in january and were followed by an additional order for thirty in february.