BMW jet propulsion research was initiated in 1934, and work on the BMW 003 began in 1939 with a design thrust of 5,782 N (1,300 lb). Smaller and more compact than the earlier Junkers Jumo 004, the engine appeared so promising in 1942 tests on a Me 262 that the manufacturer was told to develop the 003 to such a level that it would become a replacement for the 004.

The redesigned BMW 003A was flight tested in October 1943 in a Junkers Ju 88, and first delivered in early-1944. The further improved BMW 003C produced 8,006 N (1,800 lb) thrust. Begun in 1944, the BMW 003D had an eight stage axial-flow compressor and two-stage axial-flow turbine, and produced 10,764 N (2,420 lb) thrust.

The BMW 003 was tested on the Heinkel He 162, Arado Ar 234 B/C, Junkers Ju 287, and Messerschmitt Me 262. This engine, a BMW 003 E.1, powered the He 162.

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 1941

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: 610 kg (1,344 lb)

Dimensions

3-D: 363.2 × 61 × 73.7cm, 609.6kg (11 ft. 11 in. × 2 ft. × 2 ft. 5 in., 1344lb.)

Materials

Ferrous Alloy
Aluminum Alloy
Adhesive Tape
Copper Alloy
Rubber
Textile
Paint
Unidentified Coating
Grease
Adhesive Label
Lead
Ink

Inventory Number

A19710910000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Navy

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

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