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).
Memo discussing various methods for reducing engine weight.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\3\ 03-page066 | |
| Date | 10th June 1912 | |
| 4. junction it may be possible to lighten the existing webs which are at present 9/16" thick by casting holes as shown in attached sketch, or else reducing their thickness to about 7/32". With reference to the bottom half of the crankcase it was considered that this did not quite follow the dwg with regard to thickness of a new one has already been made with a saving of some 5 1/2 lbs of metal. In another instance 1 1/2 lbs was saved by making the cover on the bottom of the afore-mentioned part a die casting. Another part noticed was the silencer outlet. the thickness of the metal could possibly be reduced or the material altered to aluminum In conclusion I would recommend that one draughtsman be requisitioned for the purpose of examining & bringing to notice every part of the engine with a view to thoroughly investigating all reasonable possibilities of reducing its weight. C G Smith 10-6-12 | ||