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 displacement class: a liquid-cooled inverted-Vee 12-cylinder piston engine. This was designated F4, and by 1931 two prototypes were running on the test bench. These were followed by the improved F4 B, which became the prototype for the DB 600.

In 1933, Daimler-Benz finally received a contract to develop its new engine and to build six examples of the DB 600. For the year after, the DB 600 was the only German aero engine in the 30-litre class. In total, 2281 DB 600s were built.

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. 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.

Serial production begun in November 1937, and ended in 1943, after 19,000 examples of all types were produced.

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 177As - 2,700 PS (1,986 kW) at sea level with a mirror-imaged starboard component engine supercharger, and derided as "welded-together engines" by Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring in August 1942, from the problems they caused with engine fires in the He 177A during service.

Applications

 * DB 601
 * CANSA FC.20
 * Dornier Do 215
 * Heinkel He 100
 * Henschel Hs 130A-0
 * Kawasaki Ki-60
 * Messerschmitt Bf 109
 * Messerschmitt Bf 110
 * Messerschmitt Me 210
 * Savoia-Marchetti SM.88


 * DB 606
 * Heinkel He 119
 * Heinkel He 177
 * Messerschmitt Me 261

Licensees

 * Aichi Atsuta
 * Aichi M6A
 * Yokosuka D4Y
 * Alfa Romeo RA 1000 RC 41
 * Macchi C.202
 * Reggiane Re.2001
 * Kawasaki Ha-40
 * Kawasaki Ki-61