First
Flight |
Model |
Military
Number |
Name |
| 1917 |
BMW III |
|
|
| c.1931 |
132 |
|
|
| 1940 |
801 |
|
|
| 1942 |
003 |
|
|
|
|
The
Bayerische Motorenwerke (Bavarian Motor Works) was founded in
1916, building in-line, six-cylinder, water-cooled aircraft
engines. The post-war years saw further development of the
type as well as V-12 engines.
In 1927, BMW started developing radial engines but
decided to purchase a license from Pratt & Whitney for the
Hornet in 1929. The models 114 and 132 were based on the
Hornet. BMW's most famous radial was the Model 801 of which
61,000 were built.
BMW started work on a turbojet in 1939 and
developed the axial-flow Model 003 for use late in World War II. |
