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).
Report discussing gun production, including material changes from aluminium to bronze, and outlining design responsibilities for mountings and shields.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 175\3\ img042 | |
| Date | 1st June 1942 | |
| Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} - 3 - so far, the forgings had been pro- duced by the English Steel Corporation of Sheffield. Mr. Ashworth said he did not think that this material would prove to be difficult to obtain if the barrel could be rolled. It was agreed that a drawing of the piece in question would be sent to him. The remainder of the material for 1,000 guns was discussed and Mr. Ashworth said that no difficulty was likely to be experienced, with the exception of the aluminium. There was no shortage of bronze. Mr. Robotham said that a gun was at present being produced with the aluminium parts replaced by bronze, to see how this affected the handling. (It's weight will be increased from 320 to almost 500 lbs.) The position of the mounting was discussed. It was again stressed that the need was for guns to be produced rapidly, with a simple mounting. Rolls Royce will submit their design for a simple mounting, as soon as this is completed. They will also include a plan for it's production in the brochure. There are enough Oerlikon mountings available to take care of 30 guns, so part of these mountings to be scrapped in fitting the Rolls Royce gun. It was agreed that Rolls Royce would design, but not produce, the armour plated shields required. | ||