I still can't see how you can reach this conclusion Nicola.
The Alb D.III was mounted with the Merc D.IIIa engine from the get go.
The Alb D.V was mounted with the same engine and couldn't climb as well as the Alb D.III despite being lighter.
How would an Alb D.Va that is heavier than the D.V mounted with the same Merc D.IIIa engine then climb better or as well than the Alb D.III ?
That's not logical.
When the Alb D.Va was then mounted with the improved Merc D.IIIa engine (the au version) it compensated for that extra weight & is said to match the D.V performance but might, at best, have matched that of the Alb D.III in regard of the climb rate; though I'd think that more unlikely now in light of the carburettor fitted & rev restriction.
Oh, here's the family - have a good Christmas !
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