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).
Required new designs and modifications for Merlin and Kestrel engines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 30\3\ Scan100 | |
| Date | 1st March 1935 | |
| 82917. To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Rbr.{Mr Rubbra} c. to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} c. to RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}7/MJ.1.3.35. AERO DESIGN. In connection with the development of the Merlin engines and the 750 HP. Kestrel, the following new designs are required - It is possible that some of these are already on the way through - (1) Improved supercharger drive for Merlin engines. (2) We require a similar improvement for the 750 HP. Kes. engine. (3) We require a new design of piston for the Merlin. At present the most satisfactory pistons we have are E.46321 (Kestrel, and E.46314 (Goshawk). (4) We require the following modifications on Merlin lower half crankcase - (a) A well at the front end for the scavenge pipe to dip into. We suggest the type of well similar to that used on the R.{Sir Henry Royce} engine. (b) Extra clearance at the front end between the raised part of the lower half and the rotating parts such as the annulus disc since a considerable quantity of camshaft return oil has to drain through at this point. (c) An increased front scavenge pipe to line up with the new Kestrel size. (d) Increased scavenge pumps to give 20% in excess of the pressure. (e) Provide sufficient room to allow the gear widths of both pumps to be increased in case this should be found necessary at a later date. (5) The general difficulties we have with oil pressures on test are such that we recommend that we consider an adjustable relief valve. (6) We require an electric turning gear for the 750 HP. Kestrel with Ramp head similar to that arranged on Merlin C. (7) We are also waiting for a scheme of ignition wires on the Ramp head cylinders both for Merlin and Kestrel type. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||