This organization was formed by the 1926 merger of two German automobile manufacturers, Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes, and Benz. Daimler was one of the first manufacturers of automobile engines. Its earliest aircraft engines, beginning in 1888, propelled airships. The famous line of Mercedes aircraft engines dates back to 1909, beginning with four-cylinder, water-cooled, in-line types. Later developments incorporated Benz designs.

The DB 600, first of the 600 series of engines manufactured by Daimler-Benz, appeared in November of 1937. The DB-600 was an inverted V-12 liquid-cooled (apparently either water or glycol) engine. In the years prior to and during World War II, additional 600 series models were developed.

The DB 610 is comprised of two DB 605 engines mounted side by side and geared to drive one propeller shaft. It was used in later versions of the Heinkel He 177 bomber during the war. This artifact is enclosed in a complete He 177 engine nacelle.

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-Reciprocating & Rotary

Manufacturer

Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft

Physical Description

Type: Reciprocating, 24 cylinders, V-type, liquid cooled
Power rating: 2,200 kW (2,950 hp) at 2,800 rpm
Displacement: 71.4 L (5,438 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 154 mm (6.1 in.) x 160 mm (6.3 in.)
Weight: 1,530 kg (3,373 lb)

Dimensions

Length 208.2 cm (81.94 in.), Width 163.2 cm (64.25 in.), Height 105.7 cm (41.68 in.)

Materials

Magnesium, Aluminum, Steel, Textile, Plastic, Copper, Rubber, Soft solder, Preservative coating

Inventory Number

A19670126000

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.