Daimler-Benz DB 601
The Daimler-Benz DB 601 was a German aircraft engine built during World War II. It was a liquid-cooled inverted V12, and powered the Messerschmitt Bf 109, among others. The DB 601 was basically an improved DB 600 with direct fuel injection.
The DB 601Aa was licence-built in Japan by Aichi as the Atsuta, by Kawasaki as the Ha-40, and in Italy by Alfa Romeo as the R.A.1000 R.C.41-I Monsone.
Development
Based on the guidelines laid down by the Reichswehrministerium ("Reich's Ministry of Defence"), in 1929 Daimler-Benz began development of a new aero engine of the 30-litre class: a liquid-cooled inverted-Vee 12-cylinder piston engine.[1] This was designated F4, and by 1931 two prototypes were running on the test bench.[1] These were followed by the improved F4 B, which became the prototype for the DB 600.[1]
In 1933, Daimler-Benz finally received a contract to develop its new engine and to build six examples of the DB 600.[1] For the year after, the DB 600 was the only German aero engine in the 30-litre class.[1] In total, 2281 DB 600s were built.[1]
The DB 601A-1 was a development of the DB 600 with direct fuel injection. Like all DB 601s, it had a 33.9 litre displacement.[1] The first prototype with the direct fuel injection, designated as F4E, was test run in 1935, and an order for 150 engines was placed in February 1937.[1]
Serial production begun in November 1937, and ended in 1943, after 19,000 examples of all types were produced.[1]
Variants
- DB601 A-1
- Up to 1,100 PS (809 kW) at sea-level with 2,400 rpm, up to 1,020 PS (750 kW) at 2,400 rpm and 4.5 km altitude, B4 fuel
- DB601 Aa
- Up to 1,175 PS (864 kW) at sea-level with 2,500 rpm, up to 1,100 PS (809 kW) at 2,400 rpm and 3.7 km altitude, B4 fuel
- DB601 B-1/Ba
- Same as DB601 A-1/Aa for use in Messerschmitt Bf 110 and/or bomber aircraft (different prop/engine ratio, 1:1.88 instead of 1:1.55)
- DB601N
- Up to 1,175 PS (864 kW) at sea-level and at 4.9 km altitude with 2,600 rpm, C3 fuel
- Up to 1,270 PS (934 kW) at 2.1 km altitude with 2,600 rpm
- DB601P
- Same as DB601N for use in Messerschmitt Bf 110 and/or bomber aircraft (different prop/engine ratio, 1:1.88 instead of 1:1.55)
- DB601E
- Up to 1,350 PS (993 kW) at sea-level with 2,700 rpm, up to 1,320 PS (970 kW) with 2.700 rpm at 4.8 km altitude, B4 fuel
- Up to 1,450 PS (1,066 kW) at 2.1 km altitude with 2,700 rpm
- DB601F/G
- Same as DB601E for use in Messerschmitt Bf 110, Messerschmitt Me 210 and/or bomber aircraft (different prop/engine ratio,1:1.875 (601F), 1:2.06 (601G) instead of 1:1.685)
- DB606A/B
- Two DB601F or G coupled to work on a single propeller shaft for use in early Heinkel He 177 - 2,700 PS (1,986 kW) at sea level, and derided as "welded-together engines" by Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering in the summer of 1942, from the problems they caused with engine fires in the He 177A during service.
Applications
- DB 601
- DB 606
Licensees
- Aichi Atsuta
- Alfa Romeo RA 1000 RC 41
- Kawasaki Ha-40
Specifications (DB 601Aa)
Data from [2]
General characteristics
- Type: Twelve-cylinder liquid-cooled supercharged 60° inverted Vee aircraft piston engine
- Bore: 150 mm (5.91 in)
- Stroke: 160 mm (6.30 in)
- Displacement: 33.93 L (2,070.5 in³)
- Length: 1,722 mm (68 in)
- Dry weight: 590 kg (1,320 lb)
Components
Performance
See also
- Related development
- Comparable engines
- Related lists
References
Notes
Bibliography
- Mankau, Heinz and Peter Petrick. Messerschmitt Bf 110, Me 210, Me 410. Raumfahrt, Germany: Aviatic Verlag, 2001. ISBN 3-92550-562-8.
- Neil Gregor Daimler-Benz in the Third Reich. Yale University Press, 1998
External links
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