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Aichi AE1A Atsuta Aircraft Engine
Aichi AE1A Atsuta Aircraft Engine
The Aichi AE1A '''Atsuta''' &#12450;&#12484;&#12479; or &#29105;&#30000; was a Japanese licensed version of the German [[Daimler-Benz DB 601]]A 12-cylinder liquid-cooled inverted-vee aircraft engine. The Atsuta powered only three models of [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] (IJN) and [[Imperial Japanese Army Air Force]] (IJAAF) aircraft in World War II. The Atsuta was based on the engine that powered Germany's [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]] fighter.<ref>Monogram Close-Up 13</ref>
The Aichi AE1A '''Atsuta''' &#12450;&#12484;&#12479; or &#29105;&#30000; was a Japanese licensed version of the German [[Daimler-Benz DB 601]]A 12-cylinder liquid-cooled inverted-vee<ref>[[V engine]]</ref> aircraft engine. The Atsuta powered only three models of [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] (IJN) and [[Imperial Japanese Army Air Force]] (IJAAF) aircraft in World War II. The Atsuta was based on the engine that powered Germany's [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]] fighter.<ref>Monogram Close-Up 13</ref>
==History==
==History==
===Aichi receives Daimler-Benz DB 600 license===
===Aichi receives Daimler-Benz DB 600 license===
Daimler-Benz granted Aichi a license to manufacture the DB 600A through D models in November, 1936. At that time, the Aichi Clock and Electric Co. (Aichi Tokei Denki KK.), from which Aichi Aircraft. Company was derived, was building only the ''Kotobuki'' 9- cylinder air-cooled radial engine at its Atsuta Engine Plant, which was located in south central Nagoya City. It was necessary to re-tool the factory for the production of the new Daimler-Benz engine. Two DB-600 series engines were imported that year and three the next, all to be used as production patterns.
Daimler-Benz granted [[Aichi Kokuki KK]], a part of the Aichi Clock and Electric Co. (Aichi Tokei Denki KK) a license to manufacture the DB 600A through D models in November, 1936. At that time the Aichi Aircraft Company was building only the ''Kotobuki'' 9- cylinder air-cooled radial engine at its Atsuta Engine Plant, located in south central Nagoya City. It was necessary to re-tool the factory for the production of the new Daimler-Benz engine. Two DB-600 series engines were imported that year and three the next, all to be used as production patterns.(Monogram)
===Experimental status===
===Experimental status===
It was the Imperial Japanese Navy's common practice to use a coded designation while an engine was in experimental or pre-production status. This engine was coded "AE1A",which decodes:
It was the Imperial Japanese Navy's common practice to use a coded designation while an engine was in experimental or pre-production status. This engine was coded "AE1A", which decodes as follows:


*A=Aichi Tokei Denki KK.,
*A=Aichi Tokei Denki KK.
*E=Liquid cooled,
*E=Liquid cooled
*1=Aichi's first liquid-cooled engine model, and
*1=Aichi's first liquid-cooled engine model
*A=first version of that engine model.
*A=first version of that engine model
===Engine accepted by IJN===
===Engine accepted by IJN===
When the engine is accepted by the IJN, its coded designation is dropped and a name is chosen. It is from the Atsuta factory that the AE1A engine received its name.
When the engine is accepted by the IJN, its coded designation was dropped and a name is chosen. It is from the Atsuta factory that the AE1A engine received its name.(Monogram)
==Aichi receives Daimler-Benz DB 601A license==
==Aichi receives Daimler-Benz DB 601A license==
By early 1938 the Japanese Navy had also acquired a German Heinkel He-118 V4 two-seat dive bomber aircraft, along with its production rights. This aircraft was powered by the DB 601A. The Heinkel's spectacular performance impressed the IJN Naval Staff so much that the design of the [[Yokosuka D4Y]] '''''Suisei''''' (Allied reporting name<ref>[[World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft]]</ref> “Judy”) carrier based dive bomber evolved from it. The success of both airplanes was attributed to the slender lines of the high powered liquid-cooled engine.
By early 1938 the Japanese Navy had also acquired a German [[Heinkel He-118]]V4 two-seat dive bomber aircraft, along with its production rights. This aircraft was powered by the DB 601A. The Heinkel's spectacular performance impressed the IJN Naval Staff so much that the design of the [[Yokosuka D4Y]] '''''Suisei''''' (Allied reporting name<ref>[[World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft]]</ref> “Judy”) carrier based dive bomber evolved from it. The success of both airplanes was attributed to the slender lines of the high powered liquid-cooled engine.(Monogram)
===The DB 601A becomes the Atsuta model 32===
===The DB 601A becomes the Atsuta model 32===
By 1939, eleven of the more advanced model DB 601's were imported. Manufacturing rights were updated for Aichi to produce this improved model as the Atsuta 32 for IJNAS aircraft and the Kawasaki Ha-40 for IJAAS's [[Kawasaki Ki-61]] “''Hein''” (Allied reporting name “Tony”) fighter.
By 1939, eleven of the more advanced model DB 601A engines were imported. Manufacturing rights were updated for Aichi to produce this improved model as the Atsuta 32 for all IJNAS aircraft and to Kawasaki for their Ha-40 engine used in IJAAS's [[Kawasaki Ki-61]] “''Hein''” (Allied reporting name “Tony”) fighter.


==Aichi M6A gets the Atsuta engine==
==Aichi M6A gets the Atsuta engine==
That same year, a new top-secret aircraft that was to be transported and launched from a large submarine was ordered by the IJN. That aircraft was the [[Aichi M6A]] “''Serian''”(''Shisei-Seiran''), along with its M6A1-K “''Ninzan''” land-based trainer version, all to be powered by the new (1,400 hp) Aichi AE1P Atsuta 32.
That same year, a new top-secret aircraft that was to be transported and launched from a large submarine was ordered by the IJN.(Monogram) That aircraft was the [[Aichi M6A]] “''Serian''”(''Shisei-Seiran''), along with its M6A1-K “''Ninzan''” land-based trainer version, all to be powered by the new (1,400 hp) Aichi AE1P Atsuta 32.


==Engine production==
==Engine production==
In the spring of 1942, four preproduction M6A aircraft were being completed, a firsthand account states that one had a 1,400 hp Atsuta 21 engine, the others with Atsuta 32's. The first aircraft's engine was later changed to an Atsuta 32. Eighteen M6A1 Special Attack Bomber versions followed, and these had the Atsuta 32 engine as well. Lastly, two of the original M6A1 prototypes were converted into M6A1-K “''Nanzan''” (Shisei-Seiran Kai) land-based training aircraft.
In the spring of 1942, four preproduction M6A aircraft were being completed, a firsthand account states that one had a 1,400 hp Atsuta 21 engine, the others with Atsuta 32's. The first aircraft's engine was later changed to an Atsuta 32. Eighteen M6A1 Special Attack Bomber versions followed, and these had the Atsuta 32 engine as well. Lastly, two of the original M6A1 prototypes were converted into M6A1-K “''Nanzan''” (Shisei-Seiran Kai) land-based training aircraft.(Monogram)


Peak production of the Atsuta 32 engine was in May, 1944, when 107 engines were produced. These were shared between M6A and D4Y aircraft, with the D4Y produced in far greater quantity than the M6A.
Peak production of the Atsuta 32 engine was in May, 1944, when 107 engines were produced. These were shared between M6A and D4Y aircraft, with the D4Y produced in far greater quantity than the M6A.
Line 29: Line 29:
A serious problem with the Aichi and Kawasaki version of the Dailmer-Benz engine was that of holding a close tolerance fit between the crankshaft and its bearings on this fairly long engine, the result was that the engine proved to be prone to crankshaft failure.<ref>[[Kawasaki Ki-61]]</ref> Additionally, there was often great difficulties obtaining engine components which, along with repeated air attacks on the Atsuta engine plant, eventually brought engine production to a standstill.
A serious problem with the Aichi and Kawasaki version of the Dailmer-Benz engine was that of holding a close tolerance fit between the crankshaft and its bearings on this fairly long engine, the result was that the engine proved to be prone to crankshaft failure.<ref>[[Kawasaki Ki-61]]</ref> Additionally, there was often great difficulties obtaining engine components which, along with repeated air attacks on the Atsuta engine plant, eventually brought engine production to a standstill.
===Atsuta production ends===
===Atsuta production ends===
Maintenance difficulties with the Atsuta engine eventually led to the installation of the more reliable Mitsubishi Kinsei 62 radial engine for the D4Y3 model 33<ref>[[Yokosuka D4Y]]</ref>, and the Mitsubishi Ha-112 radial air-cooled engine for the Army's Kawasaki Ki-61, which then became known as the Ki-100<ref>[[Kawasaki Ki-100]]</ref> Type 5 Fighter. Such a modification was not possible for the M6A as it could only use the liquid-cooled inverted-vee type engine as it had to fit the submarine's confined hanger. Seiran then became the only Japanese airplane that retained the inverted-vee engine installation throughout the war.
Maintenance difficulties with the Atsuta engine eventually led to the installation of the more reliable Mitsubishi Kinsei 62 radial engine for the D4Y3 model 33<ref>[[Yokosuka D4Y]]</ref>, and the Mitsubishi Ha-112 radial air-cooled engine for the Army's Kawasaki Ki-61, which then became known as the Ki-100<ref>[[Kawasaki Ki-100]]</ref> Type 5 Fighter. Such a modification was not possible for the M6A as it could only use the liquid-cooled inverted-vee type engine as it had to fit the submarine's confined hanger. Seiran then became the only Japanese airplane that retained the inverted-vee engine installation throughout the war.(Monogram)


==Evaluation==
==Evaluation==
Postwar evaluation by teams of engine technicians rated the standard of workmanship of the Atsuta engine far below that of the Army's Kawasaki counterpart, and even lower in comparison with other engines having the usual high standards of engines manufactured by Mitsubishi and Nakajima.
Postwar evaluation found the Atsuta engine's standard of workmanship was not as good as that of the Army's Kawasaki Ha-40, and far worse than engines manufactured by Mitsubishi and Nakajima.(Monogram)
==Specifications (AE1A/P Atsuta)<ref>The First Naval Technical Arsenal, August 22, 1945</ref>==
==Specifications (AE1A/P Atsuta)<ref>The First Naval Technical Arsenal, August 22, 1945</ref>==
*Type: 12-cylinder inverted-vee liquid-cooled.
*Type: 12-cylinder inverted-vee liquid-cooled.
Line 42: Line 42:
*Power:
*Power:
*Takeoff:
*Takeoff:
**Sea level: 1400hp at 2800rpm
**Sea level: 1400hp at 2800rpm
*Cruise:
*Cruise:
**1700m (5,580ft): 1250hp at 2600rpm (AE1A) 1340hp at 2600rpm (AE1P)
**1700m (5,580ft): 1250hp at 2600rpm (AE1A) 1340hp at 2600rpm (AE1P)
**5000m (16,405ft): 1290hp at 2600rpm (AE1A)
**5000m (16,405ft): 1290hp at 2600rpm (AE1A)

==Equivalent Engines==
*[[Daimler-Benz DB 601]]
*[[Junkers Jumo 211]]
*[[Allison V-1710]]
*[[Rolls-Royce Merlin]]
*[[Packard V-1650]]
*[[Mikulin AM-37]]
*[[Klimov VK-107]]


==Production==
==Production==

Revision as of 05:27, 19 May 2011

Aichi AE1A Atsuta Aircraft Engine The Aichi AE1A Atsuta アツタ or 熱田 was a Japanese licensed version of the German Daimler-Benz DB 601A 12-cylinder liquid-cooled inverted-vee[1] aircraft engine. The Atsuta powered only three models of Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and Imperial Japanese Army Air Force (IJAAF) aircraft in World War II. The Atsuta was based on the engine that powered Germany's Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter.[2]

History

Aichi receives Daimler-Benz DB 600 license

Daimler-Benz granted Aichi Kokuki KK, a part of the Aichi Clock and Electric Co. (Aichi Tokei Denki KK) a license to manufacture the DB 600A through D models in November, 1936. At that time the Aichi Aircraft Company was building only the Kotobuki 9- cylinder air-cooled radial engine at its Atsuta Engine Plant, located in south central Nagoya City. It was necessary to re-tool the factory for the production of the new Daimler-Benz engine. Two DB-600 series engines were imported that year and three the next, all to be used as production patterns.(Monogram)

Experimental status

It was the Imperial Japanese Navy's common practice to use a coded designation while an engine was in experimental or pre-production status. This engine was coded "AE1A", which decodes as follows:

  • A=Aichi Tokei Denki KK.
  • E=Liquid cooled
  • 1=Aichi's first liquid-cooled engine model
  • A=first version of that engine model

Engine accepted by IJN

When the engine is accepted by the IJN, its coded designation was dropped and a name is chosen. It is from the Atsuta factory that the AE1A engine received its name.(Monogram)

Aichi receives Daimler-Benz DB 601A license

By early 1938 the Japanese Navy had also acquired a German Heinkel He-118V4 two-seat dive bomber aircraft, along with its production rights. This aircraft was powered by the DB 601A. The Heinkel's spectacular performance impressed the IJN Naval Staff so much that the design of the Yokosuka D4Y Suisei (Allied reporting name[3] “Judy”) carrier based dive bomber evolved from it. The success of both airplanes was attributed to the slender lines of the high powered liquid-cooled engine.(Monogram)

The DB 601A becomes the Atsuta model 32

By 1939, eleven of the more advanced model DB 601A engines were imported. Manufacturing rights were updated for Aichi to produce this improved model as the Atsuta 32 for all IJNAS aircraft and to Kawasaki for their Ha-40 engine used in IJAAS's Kawasaki Ki-61 “Hein” (Allied reporting name “Tony”) fighter.

Aichi M6A gets the Atsuta engine

That same year, a new top-secret aircraft that was to be transported and launched from a large submarine was ordered by the IJN.(Monogram) That aircraft was the Aichi M6A “Serian”(Shisei-Seiran), along with its M6A1-K “Ninzan” land-based trainer version, all to be powered by the new (1,400 hp) Aichi AE1P Atsuta 32.

Engine production

In the spring of 1942, four preproduction M6A aircraft were being completed, a firsthand account states that one had a 1,400 hp Atsuta 21 engine, the others with Atsuta 32's. The first aircraft's engine was later changed to an Atsuta 32. Eighteen M6A1 Special Attack Bomber versions followed, and these had the Atsuta 32 engine as well. Lastly, two of the original M6A1 prototypes were converted into M6A1-K “Nanzan” (Shisei-Seiran Kai) land-based training aircraft.(Monogram)

Peak production of the Atsuta 32 engine was in May, 1944, when 107 engines were produced. These were shared between M6A and D4Y aircraft, with the D4Y produced in far greater quantity than the M6A.

Production problems

A serious problem with the Aichi and Kawasaki version of the Dailmer-Benz engine was that of holding a close tolerance fit between the crankshaft and its bearings on this fairly long engine, the result was that the engine proved to be prone to crankshaft failure.[4] Additionally, there was often great difficulties obtaining engine components which, along with repeated air attacks on the Atsuta engine plant, eventually brought engine production to a standstill.

Atsuta production ends

Maintenance difficulties with the Atsuta engine eventually led to the installation of the more reliable Mitsubishi Kinsei 62 radial engine for the D4Y3 model 33[5], and the Mitsubishi Ha-112 radial air-cooled engine for the Army's Kawasaki Ki-61, which then became known as the Ki-100[6] Type 5 Fighter. Such a modification was not possible for the M6A as it could only use the liquid-cooled inverted-vee type engine as it had to fit the submarine's confined hanger. Seiran then became the only Japanese airplane that retained the inverted-vee engine installation throughout the war.(Monogram)

Evaluation

Postwar evaluation found the Atsuta engine's standard of workmanship was not as good as that of the Army's Kawasaki Ha-40, and far worse than engines manufactured by Mitsubishi and Nakajima.(Monogram)

Specifications (AE1A/P Atsuta)[7]

  • Type: 12-cylinder inverted-vee liquid-cooled.
  • Bore: 150mm (5.904in)
  • Stroke: 160mm (6.299in)
  • Displacement: 33.93L (2070cu in)
  • Compression ratio: 7.2:1 (AE1A) 7.5:1 (AE1P)
  • Reduction ratio: 0.532:1 (AE1A) 0.4:1 (AE1P)
  • Power:
  • Takeoff:
    • Sea level: 1400hp at 2800rpm
  • Cruise:
    • 1700m (5,580ft): 1250hp at 2600rpm (AE1A) 1340hp at 2600rpm (AE1P)
    • 5000m (16,405ft): 1290hp at 2600rpm (AE1A)

Equivalent Engines

Production

  • May 1944 107

Notes

  1. ^ V engine
  2. ^ Monogram Close-Up 13
  3. ^ World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft
  4. ^ Kawasaki Ki-61
  5. ^ Yokosuka D4Y
  6. ^ Kawasaki Ki-100
  7. ^ The First Naval Technical Arsenal, August 22, 1945

Bibliography

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