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).
Programme of experimental work on the R.R. 40 MM. Gun, detailing trials for the loading mechanism, barrel temperature and buffer fillings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 175\3\ img071 | |
| Date | 14th August 1940 | |
| COPY. To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Ve/NP. c. to HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} c. to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Hdy.{William Hardy} Ve/NP.1/CB.14.8.40. PROGRAMME OF EXPERIMENTAL WORK ON R.R. 40 MM. GUN. Gun No. 11219. Hand Loading Mechanism Trial. To be assembled with new design of hand loading mechanism and trigger motor to LDPs 4.1837 and 4.1838. HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} to give completion date. This apparatus will be given a thorough trial and when proved satisfactory, manufacture of the parts concerned for the production guns can commence. Barrel Temperature Trials. As soon as Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Hdy.{William Hardy} can prepare the necessary apparatus, barrel temperature trials can commence on this gun. Temperatures are to be recorded at points 4" to 6" behind the muzzle and at 2" in front of the breech ring. 25 rounds will be fired at 5 seconds intervals, temperatures being recorded for each round. The thermo couples are to be left in position after the firing so as to be able to record the time and rate of barrel cooling. The recording instrument is to be graduated to 300° C. although it may be necessary to increase this later to 450° C. The lower range is preferable if it will meet the conditions, as they will give more sensitive readings. This trial can be carried out either before or after the new hand loading mechanism is fitted. Freezing trials with various types of Buffor filling. These trials may be conducted piece-meal, 24 hours being required for each. They should commence as soon as possible. 1st. Buffer filled with 60% glycerine, 39% distilled water and 1% soft soap. 10 rounds Naval 2 Pdr. Mark II ammunition to be fired with gun at normal temperature. Recoil, leakage and lubricating properties to be noted. Freeze gun and ammunition to zero Farenheit, gun to be conveyed from the cold chamber to the range in a wooden box insulated by blankets, the breech block to be closed and muzzle plugged. Fire 10 rounds. Record recoil, leakage and lubricating properties. | ||