5 Things You Need To Know About The Daimler-Benz DB 600 Series Engines

The Daimler-Benz DB 600 series engines were one of the most commonly used engines by the Luftwaffe throughout the war. Despite early problems, this line of engines eventually became the most successful. Here are 5 things you needed to know about this engine: 

1. Its development was started in the early 1930s, even before the war

In the early 1930s, the Reich Ministry of Aviation set out requirements for a new engine that could power the latest generation of aircraft that the Luftwaffe could use under their arsenal.

2. The DB 600 was the first variant of the liquid-cooled inverted V12

It had a displacement of 2,068.7 cu in (33.9 L) and A/B models can produce up to 986 hp at 2,400 rpm at sea level.

3. The DB 600 had several other variations

The C/D was the second development with slightly less power at 838 hp. The final and most powerful version would be the Ga/Ha at 1,036 hp.

4. The DB 605 would be one of the key versions of the DB 600 series

This came in 1942, and a staggering 42,000 units were built. It had a relatively slower displacement of 2,176 cu in, and an incredible performance at 1,677 hp. at maximum combat power.

It’s also equipped with a supercharger just like all the engines in the series, boosting its performance at high altitudes. However, because of a lack of quality materials, these engines eventually started to suffer in terms of reliability.

5. The most iconic plane that used the DB 600 was the Messerschmitt Bf 109

The Bf-109 was the Luftwaffe’s premier fighter plane- powerful, fast, and highly maneuverable. Focke-Wulf also used it in the Fw 57 and Fw 187. Meanwhile, Heinkel used it in He 111, He 112 and He 114.