Preliminary work by BMW on jet propulsion began in 1934 with formation of its aircraft engine organization. Development included consideration of ducted fans and turbochargers before evolving into the BMW 109-003 in 1939, the company’s principal turbojet during World War II. Flight tests were conducted on a Me 262 as early as 1942. Approaching the production stage, flight testing continued in late-1943 with a Junkers Ju 88 as a test-bed, with the engine mounted below the aircraft fuselage and its fuel tank in the bomb bay. Following the liberation of France in 1944, continuing test cell based development moved to an abandoned salt mine from its previous border location. War time exigencies required further changes including type of fuel and use of sheet metal construction.
Application of the BMW 003 was planned for the Arado Ar 234 four engine bomber; however, aircraft development slowed because of Allied bombing. BMW manufactured about 3,500 109-003 type engines.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date
Circa World War II
Country of Origin
Germany
Type
PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet)
Manufacturer
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke)
Physical Description
Type: Turbojet
Thrust: 6,894 N (1,550 lb) at 9,000 rpm
Compressor: 7-stage axial
Combustor: Annular
Turbine: Single-stage axial
Weight: 624 kg (1,375 lb.)
Dimensions
Length 363.2 cm (143 in.), Diameter 69.1 cm (27.19 in.)
Materials
Aluminum, Wood, Plastic, Steel, Paint, Rubber, Copper, Textile, Magnesium
Inventory Number
A19670125000
Credit Line
Found in collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.