Bmw 801 Ts, Th, Tj

[S Sheflin]

First, I want to thank everyone who generously responded with data for my research on Luftwaffe WW2 aircraft engines. The majority of the new data I received concerned the BMW 801. Following is a very preliminary report on BMW 801 TS, TH, and TJ Motornummern:

BMW 801 TS.

1.) The 43 engines if have now documented as “TS” engines were all mounted on Fw 190 F-9/R1s, and have Motornummern in three batches ranging from 437 044 to 439 413.

2.) All but two of these “TS” engines were built by “jha” (BMW F/M München). One engine, 347 887, had a three-letter manufacture code of “jgk." Ditto for 348 064, with the code “JGH.” I think these two might be transcription errors. Anyone know who these two manufacturer are?

3.) A series of engines used in factory tests with MNrn. 347 763 to 347 891 are identified as both “TS-1” and “S-1”?

4.) Interestingly, the only Fw 190 F-9/BMW 801 TS combination for which I have photographic evidence (Fw 190 F-9, WNr, 440 401, <o+ -, Neubiberg, 45/05/08, Motornummer 347 763), has the 12-blade cooling fan and not the 14-blade unit which is often used as an identifying trait. Either Art Medcalf or Nick Beale (sorry, I can’t remember which) has a report which shows a slight decrease in the top speed of an Fw 190 when using the 14-blade fan in place of the 12-blade fan. This might be why we never see too many BMW 801s with the 14-blade fan?

BMW 801 TH.

1.) I have three “TH” engines listed, 385 004, 385 029, and 385 066. These were used in Focke-Wulf factory tests on Fw 190 A-5 (VO+LY) and Fw 190 A-8 (TG+MG).

2.) One engine, 020 214, was flown in Fw 190 A-8 TG+MG. It was listed as "F-66," and is a possibly a "TH" prototype?

BMW 801 TJ.

1.) Six “TJ-0” engines were recorded in Ju 388 L and K airframes. Like the TH engines mentioned above, the “TJ” engines have MNrn. in the 385 XXX range. Recorded MNrn. are, 385 220, 385 256, 385 274, 385 275, and 385 837. No manufacturers or 3-letter codes were listed.

I hope this is not too mundane for most of you? Also, I am still keen on any additional Luftwaffe aircraft engine data which you might have.

Steve Sheflin