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).
Switch to 80 Octane fuel for testing Goshawk, Griffon, Merlin, and Kestrel engines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 27a\4\ Scan045 | |
| Date | 5th January 1933 | |
| YNG 81-871 JUL 6 1933 Mr. Royce. c to Mr. Hives. c to Mr. Rowledge. c to Mr. Giuliano. c to Mr. Mansell. c. to Mr Woods. 5-1-33. 80 Octane Fuel. Mr. Woods R.D.E.2b. has already notified the firm on the 19-12-32 that in anticipation of the improvements to be introduced shortly in Service fuel, all tests of the Goshawk, Griffon and Merlin engines are to be carried out on this fuel. This decision refers not only to development tests, but also the acceptance tests of the 12 Goshawks and 2 Griffons already ordered. Re-rating tests are also required for 1933 Kestrel IB. IIS and IIMS engines, and we may have to carry out a type test of Kestrel IIMS 1279 on this fuel. at 150°C jacket temp: There is as yet no A.M. Specification drafted for this fuel, and pending this, I suggest you order supplies of this fuel to Octane value 80. Freezing point below - 60°C. Max. T.E.L. addition 4 ccs./gal. At the same time requesting the suppliers to provide release figures on their release notes. I understand that in addition to the 150 galls. in the works, you have ordered 500 galls. from Messrs Shell Co. and 500 Galls. from Messrs Anglo American Oil Co. Pending deliveries of the further supplies, I have agreed that the acceptance tests of either Griffon engines may be run on D.T.D.134 and to use the existing balance of the 80 Octane fuel we have in stock at the moment for the final test of the first Goshawk engine. A.W.Gayner Inspector-in-Charge. A.I.D J/HB.{C. E. Harcombe} | ||