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).
The design and implementation of jump spark and battery ignition systems for 'Eagle' aero engines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 37\3\ scan 043 | |
| Date | 21th August 1917 guessed | |
| Controller, Technical Dept., Air Board Office. -2- R1/W21817. jump spark distributor would give better ignition. We are disposed to think that if a jump spark distributor is used it would have to be considerably modified from the usual pattern and should be fitted with jump spark points which are not liable to oxidize such as a platinum wire system as used on the Rolls-Royce car distributor (battery system). 6. We understand this new model will be fitted with suitable holes in the base for standard steady pinning arrangement to the base, but these steady pin holes and the height of the magneto centre will be sufficient-ly accurate to give good alignment between the magneto and its driving shaft and that the magnetos will be interchangeable on a reasonably accurate base. 7. Regarding the battery ignition for future "Eagle" aero engines, it was discussed that the battery ignition would not be sufficiently well made by adopting the Remy or any other existing commercial ignition systems but it is advisable for ourselves and the Ignition Dept. of the Admiralty to modify the existing design or provide a new design that will thoroughly meet the case and produce a thoroughly substantial device which showed no unnecessary overhang on the camshaft casings, and that certain modifications shall be made to the bevel wheel casing so that early Eagle engines shall be sent out with the necessary preparations for apply-ing this ignition system after the engine has been delivered. This battery ignition system has to be arranged to run the engine up to the full over-speed without missing fire and to be capable of accurate synchronism with the magneto ignition and capable of enabling the hand magneto to be dispensed with if desired. Commander Bristow was shown while here the designs that we had already produced and which appeared to meet with his approval and which could be constructed under the control of the Admiralty, Magneto Dept. or at the Rolls-Royce Works where there is some capacity for this work which at present has not been taken full advantage of. We are proceeding with these designs as rapidly as possible and expect to send a preliminary drawing to Derby for | ||