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).
Visit to Vickers' and Bristol Aviation companies to discuss the installation of a 40mm gun.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 176\1\ img005 | |
| Date | 20th November 1939 | |
| SECRET. To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}5/MH.{M. Huckerby}20..11.39. VISIT TO VICKERS' AVIATION COMPANY, WEYBRIDGE AND BRISTOL AVIATION COMPANY, FILTON TO DISCUSS THE INSTALLATION OF THE 40 m.m. GUN. Vickers' Aviation Co. On Tuesday, November 14th. Ve. and Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} visited this Company to discuss the possibility of fitting the R.R. 40 m.m. gun in the turret which they are developing. The Vickers' side of the discussion was dealt with by Nanini, and Squadron Leaders Spreckley and Ward were also present. The Vickers' turret combines a series of experimental features into one project. These are:- (1) A new 40 m.m. gun by Vickers. (2) A very small turret which only just accommodates the gun, the operator and the controls. (3) A number of servo operated remote controls which direct the turret at the discretion of the gunner by utilising external hydraulic power. (4) A new type of sight which is also a range-finder. The turret is kept very small to cut down the power necessary to accelerate it and engage a target initially. Briefly, the interior is so congested that it has more or less been designed round the outline of the Vickers' gun. The following features of our 40 m.m. gun would have to be modified before it would be suitable for installation.in this turret. (1) The ammunition. (2) The width across the trunnions. (3) The length of the buffer and recuperator cylinder. | ||