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).
Meeting with the Admiralty about engine specifications for motor boats.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 133\3\ scan0161 | |
| Date | 1st April 1940 | |
| Marine To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} or to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Jnr.{Charles L. Jenner} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/AA.{D. Abbot-Anderson}1/B.1.4.40. filed separately On Friday last, the 29th ult., I called and saw Commander Grylls, Head of the Engineering-Chief's Department at the Admiralty at Bath. He was very interested in our engines but considered that it was not possible for him to give us any definite undertaking as to what requirements the Admiralty would have for these engines in the future. He did say, however, that there certainly was a very definite demand now but one had to realize that the Admiralty might decide to go to Diesels at any time, and if they said Diesel - Diesel it was regardless of cost. He was chiefly interested in the 6-cylinder engine and I attach a copy of Machinery Requirements for Fast Type Motor Boats which Commander Grylls has given to me. Under paragraph 5 - Brake Horse Powers and Weights - you will see a list of types of boats. The 25' and 30' are the most popular; the 45' you will note has 3 or 4 engines. I pointed out that two of our 8-cylinder engines at 2500 r.p.m. would give them over the required horse-power. In this specification there are many points which affect design, such as the Dynamo. It is stated here that drive must be by chain or gear. After long argument with Commander Grylls he agreed that if we were prepared to enclose our belt drive in water-tight casing, then they would probably be prepared to accept this. Ventilation could be supplied at the top of the casing. He quite agreed that belt drive was a great deal easier to replace in the case of failure and a great deal cheaper. He also agreed that it was a very much more pleasant drive for the auxiliaries it was driving. Commander Grylls expressed an opinion that he would like to see on modern engines a type of governor so that in the heaviest sea kicking of the stern of the boat did not over-rev. the engine. I believe the Scintilla people have produced such a governor and I am attempting to get details. With regards to fresh water cooling, they are of an open mind at the Admiralty and are quite prepared to accept, providing it does not increase the weight of the engine abnormally and does not complicate things unnecessarily. They would, however, I think, accept our system and before I left Commander Grylls said that he would be very grateful if we would keep him posted of all developments and if it were possible he would suggest that we should complete two 6-cylinder engines and let them have them for trials. After you have read the copy of Machinery Requirements - I am also sending a copy to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Jnr{Charles L. Jenner} - I think we should have a discussion. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/AA.{D. Abbot-Anderson} Al ENCLOSURE Nº 128 "JUSTSO" | ||