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).
Visit discussing modifications to the Condor C.I. engine and testing of a Cordite starter.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179b\4\ img067 | |
| Date | 20th April 1933 | |
| ORIGINAL To R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Ha/Ud. c. to Ag. Nor. c. to Rg.{Mr Rowledge} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to Dy.{F R Danby} VISIT TO FARNBOROUGH, RICARDO & THE AIR MINISTRY, APRIL 11TH. & 12TH. FARNBOROUGH. CONDOR C.I. ENGINE. This has now been fitted with injectors specially designed for slow running. In these injectors the needle valve is controlled by two springs. During the first portion of the needle lift (0.004" approx. the total lift being about 0.025") it is acted upon by one spring only but during the remainder of the lift both springs operate. Hence the oil that initially enters the cylinder does so under a lower injection pressure than that of the majority of the charge and in advance of it. At low speeds the greater portion of the oil charge will enter at the lower injection pressure at which it is possible to inject smaller quantities than at higher injection pressures. With these injectors the 12 cylinder Condor engine now revs at 400 R.P.M. whereas with normal pattern injectors the speed could not be reduced below 550 - 650 R.P.M. The fuel consumption has, however increased at all loads and speeds and the exhaust is now more smoky. At full load (95 lbs/sq.in. B.M.E.P.) at 2000 R.P.M. the specific consumption is now of the order of 0.475 lbs/BHP/Hr. The engine is about to undergo a 10hr. test. Cordite Starter. In order to reduce the weight of the gear necessary for starting the Condor engine when installed in a 'plane a Cordite starter has been tested. This apparatus consists of an inertia starter which is operated by firing a Cordite cartridge and therefore dispenses with both air compressor and air storage bottles thus effecting a considerable saving in weight. The cartridges are quite small and light and hence a number may be carried. Tests at Woolwich show that such a starter may be used for a large number of starts without corrosion of the metal taking place. A thin uniform sooty film only is formed. | ||