Daimler-Benz DB 605 Inverted V-12 Engine (2024)

Donate Now

One museum, two locations Visit us in Washington, DC and Chantilly, VA to explore hundreds of the world’s most significant objects in aviation and space history. Free timed-entry passes are required for the Museum in DC. Visit National Air and Space Museum in DC Udvar-Hazy Center in VA Plan a field trip Plan a group visit At the museum and online Discover our exhibitions and participate in programs both in person or virtually. What's On Events Exhibitions IMAX and Planetarium Dive deep into air and space Browse our collections, stories, research, and on demand content. Explore Stories Topics Collections On demand For researchers For teachers and parents Bring the Air and Space Museum to your learners, wherever you are. Learn Programs Learning resources Plan a field trip Educator professional development Education monthly theme Be the spark Your support will help fund exhibitions, educational programming, and preservation efforts. Give Become a member Wall of Honor Ways to give Host an Event

Daimler-Benz DB 605 Inverted V-12 Engine

Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Developed from the DB-600 engine first produced in November 1937, the DB-600 series was used primarily in Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Bf 110 fighters. In 1939, a Messerschmitt 209V1, using a DB-605ARJ engine, set a world's record of 755 km/hr (469.22 mph) which was not broken by a propeller driven aircraft until 1969.

Inverted mounting provided better visibility, lower center of gravity, and improved maintenance access. In the Bf 109, a cannon was mounted between the engine banks and fired through a propeller hub. The DB-601A in the Bf 109E, used fuel injection instead of a carburetor, a great asset in combat since the engine did not cut out under negative g forces. This engine was also used in some Heinkel 111s and license-built versions in the Macchi MC.202 Folgore and several Japanese aircraft.

Of the 74,896 DB 600 series engines, 42,405 DB 605 engines were produced, more than any other model.

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 1943 Country of Origin Germany Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, inverted V, 12 cylinders, liquid-cooled, geared drive Power rating: 1,100 kW (1,475 hp) at 2,800 rpm Displacement: 35.7 L (2,179 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 154 mm (6.1 in.) x 160 mm (6.3 in.) Weight: 745 kg (1,642 lb) Dimensions Overall: 3 ft. 3 13/16 in. × 2 ft. 4 5/16 in. × 5 ft. 8 1/2 in., 1642lb. (101.1 × 71.9 × 174cm, 744.8kg)
Materials Metal
Inventory Number A19670086000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Air Force Museum. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
  • About
  • Newsroom
  • Support
  • Get Involved
  • Contact
  • Host an Event
  • Stay up to date on the latest stories and events with our newsletter

    National Air and Space Museum

  • Washington, DC 20560

  • 202-633-2214
  • Open daily

  • Open daily

  • 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

  • Free Timed-Entry Passes Required
  • Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

  • 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway

  • Chantilly, VA 20151

  • 703-572-4118
  • Open daily

  • Open daily

  • 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use
  • Daimler-Benz DB 605 Inverted V-12 Engine (2024)

    FAQs

    Is Daimler Benz DB 605 inverted V 12? ›

    Description. The DB 605 is a high-performance inverted V-12-cylinder engine developed by Daimler Benz in the early 1940s, for various types of military aircrafts.

    How much horsepower does a DB 605 engine have? ›

    Altered valve timing increased the inlet period and improved the scavenging to give greater volumetric efficiency at higher speeds, which improved the maximum allowable RPM from 2,600 in the 601 to 2,800 in the 605. The combination of these changes raised power output from 1,350 PS (1,332 hp) to 1,475 PS (1,455 hp).

    Why is V12 inverted? ›

    Inverted mounting provided better visibility, lower center of gravity, and improved maintenance access.

    Why are airplane engines inverted? ›

    For an aero engine, advantages of the inverted layout include improved access to cylinder heads and manifolds for the ground crew, having the centre of mass of a multi-bank engine lower in the engine and, for engines mounted in the nose, improved visibility for the pilot and placing the widest part of a multi-bank ...

    What is an inverted engine? ›

    noun. : an engine whose crankshaft is above the cylinders.

    Which aircraft has the Daimler-Benz DB 605 engine? ›

    The Daimler-Benz DB 605 is a German aircraft engine, built during World War II. Developed from the DB 601, the DB 605 was used from 1942 to 1945 in the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter, and the Bf 110 and Me 210C heavy fighters.

    Which aircraft has the Daimler-Benz DB 605A engine in War Thunder? ›

    License-built versions of the DB 605 were used in the Macchi C. 205, Fiat G. 55, Reggiane 2005 and some other Italian aircraft.

    How much horsepower does a DB 603 have? ›

    A total of 8,758 DB 603 engines were produced in a number of different versions ranging in power from 1,245 to 1,685 kW (1,670 to 2,260 shp).

    What are the disadvantages of a V12 engine? ›

    The drawbacks of V12 engines include extra cost, complexity, friction losses, and external size and weight, compared with engines containing fewer cylinders.

    How does an inverted V engine work? ›

    Some airplanes of the 1920s and 1930s used inverted engines, whereby the crankshaft is located at the top of the engine and the cylinder heads are at the bottom. Advantages include better visibility in a single-engined airplane, a higher thrust line, and resultant increased ground clearance for the propeller.

    Why are V12 so expensive? ›

    It's more expensive to build twelve small pistons than four large ones and the same applies to valves, camshafts, connecting rods, and all the other mechanical bits. These engines are reserved for the absolute top-of-the-line models and cost accordingly.

    Can an inverted plane fly? ›

    A stunt plane's lift-to-drag ratio is higher than the average plane, meaning that they are able to generate more lift and thrust while in an inverted position. This allows them to fly upside down without losing altitude or speed.

    Can a 747 go inverted? ›

    Large commercial planes, such as passenger airliners, are not designed to fly upside down, and attempting to do so would be extremely dangerous and potentially catastrophic.

    Can plane engines go in reverse? ›

    Types of thrust reversal systems. Small aircraft typically do not have thrust reversal systems, except in specialized applications. On the other hand, large aircraft (those weighing more than 12,500 lb) almost always have the ability to reverse thrust.

    Which Mercedes models have a V12? ›

    Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

    Of course Mercedes is going to stick a V12 in the new super-luxe Maybach S-Class. Following its launch in 202 it's now the only V12-powered Mercedes, now the 12-cylinder versions of the regular S-Class, G-Class and SL have been discontinued.

    What is the meaning of V12 in Mercedes? ›

    A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder piston engine where two banks of six cylinders are arranged in a V configuration around a common crankshaft. V12 engines are more common than V10 engines. However, they are less common than V8 engines.

    What Mercedes S-class has a V12? ›

    S 600. The S 600 is a version of the long wheelbase S-Class sedan with a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine rated at 390 kW; 523 hp (530 PS) and 830 N⋅m (612 lb⋅ft) at 1,900 rpm.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6152

    Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

    Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

    Birthday: 2001-01-17

    Address: Suite 769 2454 Marsha Coves, Debbieton, MS 95002

    Phone: +813077629322

    Job: Real-Estate Executive

    Hobby: Archery, Metal detecting, Kitesurfing, Genealogy, Kitesurfing, Calligraphy, Roller skating

    Introduction: My name is Gov. Deandrea McKenzie, I am a spotless, clean, glamorous, sparkling, adventurous, nice, brainy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.