Feedback on the road test of a Goshawk model, detailing performance, issues, and suggestions for improvement.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\I\September1922\ Scan21 | |
| Date | 18th September 1922 | |
| R E 235 a (100 T) (S.F. 846. 6-8-19) G. {Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2460. TO HS. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from R. {Sir Henry Royce} c. to CJ. c. to BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to EP. {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} STAMP: ORIGINAL STAMP: RECEIVED SEP 19 1922 RE. GOSHAWK(Aero Engine)(Codename for 20HP Car / Aero Engine after Kestrel(Aero Engine))S (PRODUCTION.) X4219 You will remember that I have suggested rather weaker clutch springs as worth the risk of trial; these I mean should be the same as on No.4. and No.6. Goshawk(Aero Engine)(Codename for 20HP Car / Aero Engine after Kestrel(Aero Engine))s, which have been run in France and are still running with very nice smooth clutches. The great advantage is that one is less liable to stop their engine, and the clutch takes up the drive more sweetly; it would also save altering the levers. On Sunday I took No.6. Goshawk(Aero Engine)(Codename for 20HP Car / Aero Engine after Kestrel(Aero Engine)) about 60 miles and was very pleased with it. The road springing is not so good as No.4. Goshawk(Aero Engine)(Codename for 20HP Car / Aero Engine after Kestrel(Aero Engine)), but the steering is excellent (without the Hartford). There are some body noises including the windscreen. I pumped the tyres too hard, i.e. 60 lbs. back, and 50 lbs. front, and with the present springs and shock dempers it caused the road to shake the car. There is a slight leak at the bottom of the radiator. This car seems extremely good for power and acceleration. It has an extra large air valve which ought to allow slightly larger throat, and hence with slightly weaker air valve spring would give a little more power. We are anxious to know if the cutout is a success, and useful. We want 60.HP. from the engine with this extra air valve and/free exhaust. The foot brake is hardly effective enough forward - equalising countershaft appeared to spring - (Torsional flexibility). Is this the improved strong one? R. {Sir Henry Royce} | ||
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).