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).
Urging a change in development priorities for aero engines and expressing frustration with the slow pace of progress.
| Identifier | Morton\M9\ img002 | |
| Date | 26th August 1925 | |
| POLICY R ORIGINAL R1/M26.8.25. X1906 F4369 X3804 X.4G44 X4550 FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} re. AERO ENGINES. We should realise that we are probably doing wrong by spending our time on - (1) Swash plate engine, (2) Starter unit, and probably (3) Superchargers, when it is so urgent for us to produce a complete new engine design. I consider especially urgent - (a) A cyl. design for the Condor with enclosed valve gear, and (b) Production of Falcon X. From impressions recently received these 2 items are of first importance, after which comes Eagle XVI. and Eagle XX. As we are involved in the programme as laid down it does not seem wise to alter, but I think we should realise that if we had a free hand, the order of urgency as described above is the one we should follow. I certainly feel that if we are not careful we shall be left constructing novelties and antiquated designs, and at least if we do not change the programme, everything should be done to make the progress more rapid. Regarding the designs and drawings, have we a sufficient number of people employed on these? As regards the construction I fear that it is unwise to trust to the Production Dept. making the experimental parts, and I think that our Exp. Dept. should be strengthened and made independent, and that it should have special fitters and testers allotted to the aero engine and car work separately, so that one does not crowd out the other. Personally I am fretting at the bit, but feel I cannot do anything, and that things are not moving fast enough. R.{Sir Henry Royce} Set of photos refer | ||