The BMW 801 was the first German high-performance, air-cooled radial engine of new design introduced after the start of World War II. Introduction of a cooling fan in the cowl nose opening, operating at approximately three times propeller speed and with internal baffles, made it possible to eliminate all external cowling enlargements. In most installations, the exhaust pipes were grouped to give ejector thrust, and reduced installed drag below that of an equivalent liquid-cooled engine.

The 801 incorporated an automatic two-speed, single-stage centrifugal supercharger, direct fuel injection, and single-lever operation of manifold pressure, engine speed, ignition timing, and blower speed. The 801A went into production in 1940 at 1,193 kW (1,600 shp). Later turbosupercharged models culminated in the TQ rated at 1,279 kW (1,715 shp) at 1,219 m (40,000 ft). Total production exceeded 61,000 engines.

The BMW 801TJ powered later models of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 and Junkers Ju 88.

 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 BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke)
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 14 cylinders, 2 rows, turbosupercharged, radial, air-cooled Power rating: 1,268 kW (1,700 hp) at 2,700 rpm Displacement: 42 L (2,562 cu. in.) Bore and Stroke: 156 mm (6.2 in.) x 156 mm (6.2 in.) Weight: 2,041 kg (4,500 lb) Dimensions 3-D: 281.9 × 138.4 × 152.4cm (9 ft. 3 in. × 4 ft. 6 1/2 in. × 5 ft.)
 Materials Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Plastic
Paint
Adhesive Tape
 Inventory Number A19710935000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Navy Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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