Built by K + W Thun, the first flight was in March 1919 with flight development going on to May 1920. This indigenous craft was ordered for the Fliegertruppe in two tranches, the first for 39 aircraft entering service in 1922 and a second for 20 of the improved DH-5A which entered service in 1929. There was a "one off" DH-5X which was powered by an Hispano-Suiza HS 42 8 cylider engine developing 300 h.p. They continued in service as glider tugs until the 1940's.