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).
Summary of the fighter aircraft armament position, highlighting the need for heavier calibre weapons.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 176\1\ img021 | |
| Date | 7th July 1940 | |
| ARMAMENT POSITION - FIGHTER AIRCRAFT. After discussion with the design staffs of the two fighter aircraft producing Companies in this country, it appears that the armament position is less satisfactory than either the aircraft or engine positions. In view of the fact that a fighter aircraft is only as good as its armament it would seem imperative that steps should be taken to ensure that the best possible use is being made of the available armament resources. A brief summary of the present position seems to be as follows :- THE ANSWER TO ARMOUR PLATE IS HEAVIER CALIBRE. The German bomber can now operate from Belgium, Holland and France. Having less distance to fly from base to objective, it can, and is, carrying heavier armour plate. It is therefore becoming doubtful whether the .303, which has done extremely well so far, will be adequate to deal with the armour plate. It appears to be agreed by everyone, therefore, that heavier calibre weapons should be available as quickly as possible. The half-inch gun would seem to be the next step. IS THERE ANY PROSPECT OF GETTING QUANTITIES OF .5 GUNS INTO THE SERVICE DURING THE NEXT 18 MONTHS. APPARENTLY NOT. Unfortunately, the only .5" gun available at the moment is the American Browning and there seems to be no prospect of getting the quantities required; either of the American half-inch or the English designed weapon, for eighteen months or two years. No .5 guns at present are even available for experimental flight installations. Therefore some other alternative has got to be used for the time being. THE POSITION OF THE 20 mm. HISPANO. The 20 mm. Hispano gun is a proved design, is available, and is being manufactured in this country in increasing quantities. - Continued - | ||