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).
Project proposal for a joint tank design with Leyland, detailing a three-stage work plan.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 144\4\ scan0158 | |
| Date | 16th November 1940 | |
| SECRET Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}3/ML.16.11.40. PROPOSED ROLLS ROYCE - LEYLAND TANK PROJECT. We visited Leyland's on Thursday, November 14th, with a view to crystallizing our ideas on what should be done by the Companies jointly, on tank design. It was agreed that the work on the Mark VI. tank should be carried out in three stages :- 1. Power Plant and Transmission Unit. To prepare a power plant based on the Merlin engine, but converted to cast-iron wherever possible, and produce in parallel a 5-speed syncromesh gearbox. This unit would be arranged so that it would fit into the existing Mark VI tank, with the wilson steering units. 2. Steering. To endeavour to find a means of steering tanks which was less bulky, costly and complicated than the existing Wilson units. 3. Track and Armour Modifications. If and when Item (1) has been successfully dealt with and possibly Item (2) also, the track to be modified to take care of a load of 27 tons and the hull modified to take infantry armour plate. We attach a print showing our preliminary ideas about stage 1. The gearbox has only to carry half engine torque, which makes it small and compact; the clutch inertia is reduced to make gear changing easy. It was agreed that Leyland's would make all the bits we cannot supply but it was hoped that it would be possible for Rolls Royce to provide a set of internal engine pieces for the prototype. Leyland's are also prepared to assist in the Drawing Office work and we are arranging for two of their men to come down and work with us on the job, next week. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||