The practicality of jet propulsion had been demonstrated in Germany in early 1937 by Hans von Ohain working with the Heinkel company. Recognising the potential of the invention, the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM - Government Air Ministry) encouraged Germany's aero engine manufacturers to begin their own programmes of jet engine development. The BMW 003 began development as a project of the Brandenburgische Motorenwerke (The Brandenburg Motor Works, known as "Bramo ") under the direction of Hermann Östrich and assigned the RLM designation 109-003 (the 109- prefix common to all jet engine projects). Bramo was also developing another turbojet, the 109-002. In 1939, BMW bought out Bramo, and in the acquisition, obtained both engine projects. The 109-002 had a very sophisticated contra-rotating compressor design intended to eliminate torque, but was abandoned in favour of the simpler engine, which in the end proved to have enough development problems of its own.
Specifications (BMW 003A-1)
General characteristics
* Type: Nonafterburning turbojet
* Length: 3,530 mm (139 in)
* Diameter: 690 mm (27 in)
* Dry weight: 562 kg (1,240 lb)
Components
* Compressor: 7-stage axial compressor
* Combustors: Annular
* Turbine: Single-stage
Performance
* Thrust: 800 kgf (7.8 kN; 1,760 lbf) at 9,500 rpm
* Specific fuel consumption: 14.4 kg/(kN·h) (0.14 lb/(lbf·h))
* Thrust-to-weight ratio: 13.9 N/kg (1.42)
General characteristics
* Type: Nonafterburning turbojet
* Length: 3,530 mm (139 in)
* Diameter: 690 mm (27 in)
* Dry weight: 562 kg (1,240 lb)
Components
* Compressor: 7-stage axial compressor
* Combustors: Annular
* Turbine: Single-stage
Performance
* Thrust: 800 kgf (7.8 kN; 1,760 lbf) at 9,500 rpm
* Specific fuel consumption: 14.4 kg/(kN·h) (0.14 lb/(lbf·h))
* Thrust-to-weight ratio: 13.9 N/kg (1.42)
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