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 to Vospers regarding their future requirements for 150 HP 8-cylinder engines for marine use in torpedo boats.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 133\3\ scan0089 | |
| Date | 19th September 1939 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}1/MH.{M. Huckerby}19.9.39. 8-CYLINDER ENGINE FOR MARINE USE. Yesterday I visited Commander Du Cane at Vospers to discuss Vosper's present and future requirements of 150 H.P. engines. In 18 months' time they will require engines of this size as auxiliaries in torpedo boats. Owing to way in which R.R. last treated Vospers they are trying experimentally Lagonda engines and have an agreement made pre-hostilities to use Lagonda engines. Du Cane would prefer an in-line engine; and if he receives from us a written promise to supply engines he will try to avoid using Lagondas in favour of the R.R. 8-cylinder. He would then give us all the necessary help to convert our engine to marine requirements, for which a reduction and reversing gear at the back and shafts for 4 auxiliary drives at the front are required. Du Cane has no present use for small engines as Vospers are concentrating on M.T.B's. He has no after war plans made. Vospers quite rightly think that they have not had a square deal from R.R. A supply of Merlins when Crewe and Glasgow get going would help to put this right. Until then he will use I.F. engines in the M.T.B.'s. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} | ||