DB603 engine discussion

[he219research]

I am trying to sort out the “big-block” family of DB603 engines, focusing mainly on the three main production variants: DB603A, DB603AA, and DB603E.

Data from the official “Leistungsblatt” of the DB603A (Baureihe 0, 1, and 2) give us the following:
1750 hp at 2700 rpm at S/L
1620 hp at 2700 rpm at 5.700 m
950 hp at 2700 rpm at 10.000 m

1580 hp at 2500 rpm at S/L
1510 hp at 2500 rpm at 5.700 m

For the DB603AA, the corresponding figures (not from primary sources) are the following:
1670 hp at 2700 rpm at S/L
1450 hp at 2700 rpm at 7.300 m
1020 hp at 2700 rpm at 10.000 m

1580 hp at 2500 rpm at S/L
1370 hp at 2500 rpm at 7.200 m

And the DB603E “Leistungsblatt” give the following:
1800 hp at 2700 rpm at S/L
1480 hp at 2700 rpm at 7.400 m
1060 hp at 2700 rpm at 10.000 m

1500 hp at 2500 rpm at S/L
1380 hp at 2500 rpm at 7.400 m

All the above figures are without any extra boosting (i.e. no MW-50 / GM-1).

Most sources describe the DB603AA as being similar to the DB603A, but featuring the enlarged DB603E/G supercharger and with a rated altitude of 7.300 m.
Judging from the power figures listed above, it would seem the DB603AA fall inbetween the A and E model, offering a higher critical altitude than the 603A at the cost of somewhat less power on lower altitudes.

Now, was there any other differences between the DB603A and DB603AA except the larger supercharger?
Also, was the DB603AA a “new-built” engine as such, or was it a modification of excisting DB603A engines/blocks? If so, could any DB603A be re-built into a DB603AA, or was it only the final series (DB603A-2) that was possible to modify?
Data on the 603AA seem very hard to come by so any input is most welcome!

[he219research]

Am I the only engine-geek here...? ; )

[Snautzer]

here you go:

.

[he219research]

Thanks Snautzer!
The scanned documents you supplied are very good - I`ve actually seen this report before and although there are a few mix-ups and errors, it is never the less a nice summary of the late-war German aero engines.

Regarding the DB603AA, the report only state that it is “DB603A with large supercharger” and “hydraulic supercharger gear pump from DB603E”, with no mention of any other difference. This also corresponds to the information given in other sources (although it must be emphasized that non of these are primary sources (like a German “Leistungsblatt” or the like), and could very well originate from the same original source).

So, does this all mean that we can assume that the DB603AA really is nothing more than just a standard DB603A (Baureihe 0, 1, or 2) with a DB603E (or G) supercharger of increased size slapped onto it?

[Snautzer]

perhaps the same difference as:

.

[schwarze-man]

Hi, I don't think that you can assume anything really. It might be fair to suppose that what you read on those post war documents is basically correct but, it is very limited info and original DB documentation is the only way to be certain of the exact differences, in my opinion. Cheers