BMW 801 TU

[Leo Etgen]

Hi guys

It is my understanding that the BMW 801 TU was supposed to begin replacing the BMW 801 D-2 in June/July 1944. This power plant was basically a BMW 801 D-2 engine fitted with the oil cooler of the BMW 801 F and the oil tank of the BMW 801 D and TH. It was delivered with a cowling in which nose armor was increased to 10 millimeters and oil tank armor was increased to six millimeters. Power output was identical to the BMW 801 D-2 although the weight increased by 60 kilograms compared to the earlier setup. Erhöhte Notleistung could be used as with the BMW 801 D-2 and the designation of the Fw 190 A-8 and F-8 did not change if the BMW 801 TU was installed. My question is if there is anyway of identifying if possible aircraft that were fitted with this power plant such as by werknummer block or are we left to judge only by careful studying of existing photographs and attempting to discern if the 14-bladed cooling fan which was normal for these machines as well as the thicker armor is present? Compounding the difficulties is the fact that many aircraft fitted with the TU and TS power plants that were supposed to be fitted with the 14 bladed cooling fan reverted to the earlier 12 bladed cooling fan as it was found to be more efficient. Any informed thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Horrido!

Leo