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).
Letter to the Admiralty regarding the purchase of American machine tools for 40mm gun barrel production.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 176\3\ img017 | |
| Date | 3rd August 1940 | |
| C O P Y. ROLLS ROYCE LTD. DERBY Yr. ref: A.S./P.49. Our ref: Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}9/ML. Admiralty Offices, Empire Hotel, B A T H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} For the attention of Mr. A.J. Hunt. Dear Sir, With reference to your letter of the 29th July regarding machines required from America for the production of the 40 mm. gun barrels, we have today cabled our representative in the States, approving the machine tools listed hereunder:- (Pratt & Whitney have specified their 1-1/2 x 105" machine.) Drilling operation 2 spindle machine, costing $ 13,900 and drills at rate of approximately 1" per minute. Reaming operation 2 spindle machine, costing $ 13,900 and reams at rate of approximately 2" per minute. Rifling operation 2 spindle machine, costing $ 17,315 and requiring approximately 6-1/2 hours per barrel. We are still awaiting a more exact specification. Prices are :- Box for export f.o.b. New York, and with all electrics. At the same time as cabled America we sent the Admiralty, London the following telegram:- HAVE APPROVED MACHINE TOOLS FOR FABRICATING 40 MM. BARREL AND INSTRUCTED OUR REPRESENTATIVE TO PLACE ORDER FOR THESE WITH BRITISH PURCHASING COMMISSION PLEASE ADVISE THEM NECESSARY DOLLAR RELEASE. Yours faithfully, for ROLLS ROYCE LTD. | ||