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).
Delco battery ignition systems for aero engines, covering experiments, benefits, and starting procedures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 163\7\ img008 | |
| Date | 30th May 1918 guessed | |
| Contd -2- Oy-15-FMF-13418. has been done the chief interest will centre on the experiments conducted at Derby. The Delco people have a representative in Paris, who will desire to be present during the tests, as they feel it is essential that they should have one of their own men present in order that the ignition shall not be hastily condemned through lack of correct setting, etc. Their Mr. Cryst is just leaving for England, where he will be dealing with the battery ignition for aero engines, particularly related to the Liberty engine. The Delco people tell me that other aero engines are taking up battery ignition. Notably, I believe they mentioned the Bugatti engine. I think that Mr. Royce will agree that in view of the great benefits to be obtained through the use of this ignition, it is well to make thoroughly exhaustive tests, and have therefore taken the initiative in ordering the four sets of ignition above mentioned. From observation I should imagine that the greatest trouble is the necessity of starting on the switch due to the lack of a trembler. They do start occasionally as we do on the car, namely by turning the engine to fill it up with gas and then rocking the advance and retard lever to try and get a spark, but the standard means of starting the Liberty engine consists in one man catching hold of the propeller blade, while another man holds his free hand. The men then pull in tandem and have to be smart in getting Contd. ANDREW REID & CO, LTD, PRINTERS, AKENSIDE HILL, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE | ||