In 1934, Daimler-Benz began the design of the DB 600, the first of a highly-successful series of engines. The DB 600A/B was a supercharged, inverted V-12 rated at 746 kW (1,000 shp). Delivery of prototype engines began in December 1935. Among the applications were the Heinkel He 111 and Dornier Do 17. The DB 601, which incorporated direct fuel injection and variable-speed supercharger drive, followed in 1936. Power ratings of the DB 601 ranged from 820 kW (1,100 shp) to 2,066 kW (2,770 shp) in the highly-modified Weltrekordmotor Re 5. Among aircraft powered by the DB 601 were the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Bf 110 and Heinkel He 111. A total of 19,322 DB 601 engines were built, and 74,896 engines of all models of DB 600 series engines were manufactured.
The DB 601 E powered the Messerschmitt Bf 109F, Bf 110F-0/-1/-3, and Bf 110-0/-1 aircraft.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.