From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
The weight reduction analysis for the Silver Ripple chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 118\1\ scan0414 | |
| Date | 18th February 1944 | |
| To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Wym.{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager} c. to FJH.{Fred J. Hardy - Chief Dev. Engineer} 1022 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Cr.{Mr Cra???ster / Mr Chichester}2/DH.{D. Henderson - Showroom} 18.2.44. RE. SILVER RIPPLE WEIGHT REDUCTION. As a round figure the weight of Chassis No. 1-RT-1 can be taken as 33 cwt. that is to say, 3,696 lbs. It has been decided that it is essential that Silver Ripple should not scale more than 30 cwt. in its final form, representing an overall decrease in weight of 10 % on the existing 1-RT-1 Chassis. Although no very comprehensive weight analysis exists for this car, by means of extracting what information is available on other Rolls-Royce chassis', it is possible to approximate the weight that would have to be knocked off each section of the car if the 10 % weight saving was spread over the whole chassis. These weights are given below, and it is felt they may prove a useful foundation on which to base any considerations of weight reduction :- Item. Approx. 10% Weight reduction. Remarks. Rear axle, 13.5 lbs. Rear suspension & prop. shaft, 14.6 Frame, 21.0 18 lbs. can be saved with the shortened front end. Frame fittings, 6.2 Rear brakes, 6.9 Front brakes, 6.9 Brake operating mechanism, 4.7 Fuel system, 4.1 Exhaust system, 6.0 Steering, 5.3 Wheels & Tyres, 29.5 By using lighter tyres and wheels a saving on this section of 40 lbs. should be possible. Gearbox, 9.3 Radiator and dashboard, 11.1 Chassis electrical, etc. 10.3 Front suspension, 16.8 Carried Forward 166.2 Continued - | ||