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).
Urgent request to repurchase a unique high-power Phantom III engine from a private owner for R.A.F. research during the war.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 175\2\ img094 | |
| Date | 18th March 1941 | |
| Lp.{Mr Lappin}5/10. file WINCK. 2006 (Handwritten) 18.3.41. E.R.Hall,Esq., Hartley Cottage, Kirk Burton, Yorks. Dear Hall, The R.A.F. have applied to Rolls Royce Ltd., for an engine of the P.III. size, giving about 230 h.p. for a special piece of research they are conducting. I understand from the Chassis Section that only one P.III. engine was ever built which was capable of giving this power output, and this was sold to you before the war. Facilities are not available for producing the special parts required to increase the power output of another P.III. engine unit, nor are any such units available at Derby. I am wondering whether you would be prepared to sell this power plant to the R.A.F., if they would agree to let you re-purchase it at the end of the war. This matter is somewhat urgent so I would be glad if you would let me have a reply as soon as possible. Yours sincerely, | ||