Logo of the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków
Permanent Exhibition Engines Engine Hall

BMW IIIa

Country:Germany
Type:inline engine
Year:1917

The first modern engine in which power was increased by raising the compression ratio.
The engine’s carburettor had three throats — two were engaged by the pilot depending on the flight altitude. It was used in, among others, the Fokker D.VII and Pfalz D.XII fighter aircraft from the final period of World War I.

Technical data:

Configuration6-cylinder, inline
Coolingwater
Displacement6.5 l
Weight193 kg
Maximum power226 hp