WIX Archives

Re: Engines availability

Posted by Kenneth on Mon May 13, 2002 02:06:07 PM

In reply top Engines availability posted by Cees on Mon May 13, 2002 07:48:25 AM

It seems to me that the supply of Merlin and Allison parts still available today owes its existence at least to some extent to the fact that aircraft using these engines were operated for a significant period after World War II. This does not appear to be the case with German, Swedish, Italian or Hungarian-built DB605/603/601 engines. In Sweden, as far as I know (but this is not my speciality.... Mikael Olrog), only the SAAB 18 and 21 used the Daimler-Benz engine and I seem to have heard that some collectors have already tried that lead, but to no avail. Moreover, off the top of my head the number of aircraft built in Hungary and Italy with these engines was also rather small. It is also noteworthy that the DB605 for the Dittes Bf109 was found in a disused swimming costume factory in Italy of all places! If you have to go such lengths to find an engine, are there then any good sources left at all? Lack of such engines would however certainly appear to be the Achilles Heel of any Bf 109 restoration/reconstruction and this may also be the reason why Flug Werk is not getting itself involved with the recreation of complete Bf 109's, choosing instead the Fw 190. I am afraid that I remain very pessimistic about any significant number of these engines turning up any where, much as I'd like to see it happen.

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