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).
Air intake tests on a 'Hart' aircraft at Martlesham Heath, comparing standard and special intakes.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\S\September1928-October1928\ Scan125 | |
| Date | 1st October 1928 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Lr.{Mr Ellor} c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} RG.{Mr Rowledge} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to Lp.{Mr Lappin} [STAMP] ORIGINAL X3933 Lrl/LG4.10.28. RE. RR. AIR INTAKES ON AIR TESTS IN X3933 FLIGHT AT MARTLESHAM. I visited Martlesham Heath Experimental Flying Station to collaborate with Flt.Lt.Bulman of Hawkers and EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}'s representative Mr. Archer, and to assist in an endeavour to effect improved carburation on the 'Hart' aircraft with the new type of RR. air intakes fitted. Previous to my visit the 'Hart' aircraft had undergone trials to compare performance of speed and climb with the standard and special RR. intakes, the results of which were considerably in favour of the latter type. These intakes however produced a general weakening off in mixture strength throughout the throttle range when in flight due to the air stream effect on the balancing system. When at about half throttle the engine would cut right out in the air, but was quite alright with the standard intakes. In view of this, together with the fact that the competitive aircraft were not fitted with the RR. intakes, Mr. Steven - the Chief Technical Office - gave a ruling for the trials to proceed with the standard intakes. Flt.Lt.Bulman protested against the ruling on the grounds that the aircraft should be tested as delivered with the special intakes fitted, he having satisfied himself that everything was right during flights at Brooklands. Finally, the C.T.O. agreed to conduct the trials with the special intakes if in two days his department were satisfied that the engine ran well under all conditions of flight, it being under-contd.. | ||