DB 601

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Contents 1 Introduction 2 Basic technical aspects of the DB 601 2.1 the supercharging system 2.2 GM-1 3 Performance Data 3.1 DB 601 A-0 3.2 DB 601 A-1 3.3 DB 601 Aa 3.4 DB 601 N-1 3.5 DB 606

Introduction

The Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine was a development of the DB 600 with fuel injection. It served it powered the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Messerschmitt Bf 110. The DB 601 was also used in the italian Macchi C.202 Folgore.

Basic technical aspects of the DB 601

• Type: 60 degrees inverted V-12, pressure-cooled
• Bore:
• Stroke:
• Volume: 31.9 l
• Compression Ratio:
• Length: x mm, Height: x mm, x: 762-845 mm
• Dry weight: x kg, built-in weight: x kg
• 4 valves per cylinder, 1 overhung camshaft
• direct fuel injection
• single-stage variable speed mechanical compressor driven via a barometricly controlled hydraulic clutch
• some versions equipped to utilise GM-1 injection for short term power boost

the supercharging system

The single-stage superchareger of DB 601 used an ingenious barometricly controlled hydraulic clutch which adjusted the compressor speed and thus the charging of the engine according to the needs at a given altitude.

The conventional method results in a relative loss in efficiency below rated altitude, because the compressor uses energy to produce surplus charging. A graphic presentation of engine output relative to altitude would show a "saw-touth" line: the output in low gear rising with altitude until reaching the rated altitude, then output falls until the high gear kicks in, when the output again rises the rated altitude is reached.

In comparison the Daimler-Benz system is more flexible. A graphic presentation would show a smooth shallow curve. A source of efficiency loss with this system being progressive heating of the oil as pressure in the clutch builds with altitude.

GM-1

A system to improve the high altitude performance was GM-1. In short the system worked by injecting nitrous oxide into the supercharger above normal rated altitude of the engine. The nitrous oxide serving as an oxygen carrier to improve the output at high altitude (pure oxygen prooving too volatile). The effect was phenomenal, raising output 25-30 % instantly. GM-1 was used by dedicated high altitude formations from 1941 onwards.

Performance Data

DB 601 A-0

• 1937

• Maximum Power:
• Maximum Power:
• Maximum Power
• Combat Power:
• Combat Power:
• Continuous Power
• Continuous Power

• Full Throttle Height: 4.5 km
• dry weight
• fuel B4 Kraftstoff

DB 601 A-1

DB 601 Aa

DB 601 N-1

DB 606

• 2 synchronized DB 601 A used in the Heinkel He 177

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