12/17/2025
By the 1930s, German aeronautical engineers had a requirement for more than 800 horsepower for the new aircraft designs being developed. But, much like a lot of automotive projects, sheer power wasn’t the only demand. The new line of engines had to meet a strict list of design requirements. The new engine design needed an ultra-compact cooling system that wouldn’t produce aerodynamic losses. It needed to run on low-quality fuels and be easy to repair in austere conditions. It also needed to both provide excellent downward visibility and allow forward placement of armament aligned with the pilot’s line of sight. The answer to all of that was an inverted V12.
Answering that call, Daimler-Benz delivered the DB 600. A 33.9-liter inverted V12 engine that became one of the most important engines of the German manufacturer. But why would someone build an inverted engine? What advantages did it offer?
Unlike traditional aircraft engines, the DB 600 was completely inverted, with the crankshaft on top and the pistons below. This design offered several benefits over a traditional engine design, checking a lot of boxes on the list. The arrangement allowed for the required downward visibility. The design also created a lower center of gravity, helping aircraft handle better in high-g maneuvering.
The design also aided engine cooling. With the engine being inverted, the oil fell and remained on the underside of the pistons. This ensured that a large amount of oil touched the pistons cooling them, allowing gravity to perform the job of a piston squirter. The DB 600’s inverted design also meant that the exhaust pipes were in the lower part, ensuring that any oil in the exhaust would not dirty the windshield. This was particularly important during night flights when exhaust flares could interfere with the pilot’s view.
