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Re: Development of the DB601A Engine mounted gun.
Yes, I also do expect that trials were done Graham. The spinner opening certainly does offer a route for airflow to the rear of the engine, with the gun fitted it functions as a source of airflow to help cooling and purging a working gun. However, the alternative engine part instead of a gun mounting on the rear of the engine is a plain blank. That is not to say the opening could not have been used for air, just that I see no evidence on any parts of the 109E aircraft that took "cooling" air from the gun tube, other than the alternative spinner with a hole in. So that is a mystery, what was the "cooling" airflow used for when, as always, no gun was fitted. Another question is why sealed spinners were used when the cooling air was needed on some aircraft?
Certainly, DB built the engine with the option, same as the later 601E/F etc, where the no gun engines (eg Bf110) got the same gun tunnel and blast tube as engines fitted with guns, but were fitted with a blank plate over the rear mounting point and sealed spinners.
Cheers
SM
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