Nazi Germany's initial need for substantially more powerful aviation engines originated with the private venture Heinkel He 119 high-speed reconnaissance design, and the Messerschmitt Me 261 for maritime reconnaissance duties. To give enough power in each engine installation, Daimler-Benz coupled two DB 601 engines as single "power system" with the propeller gear reduction housing across the front ends of the two engines. The combined powerplant, known as the DB 606, gave maximum output in February 1937, for a total weight of around 1.5 tonnes.
nazi germany's initial need for substantially more powerful aviation engines originated with the private venture heinkel he 119 high-speed reconnaissance design and the messerschmitt me 261 for maritime reconnaissance duties to give enough power in each engine installation daimler-benz coupled two db 601 engines as single "power system" with the propeller gear reduction housing across the front ends of the two engines the combined powerplant known as the db 606 gave maximum output in february 1937 for a total weight of around 15 tonnes