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).
Confidential memo discussing the weights and material composition of Hispano-Suiza Xbrs and Ybrs engines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 22\1\ Scan321 | |
| Date | 2nd November 1932 | |
| C O P Y. To F.{Mr Friese} CONFIDENTIAL. MNG/s/2.11.32. R.{Sir Henry Royce} Re: HISPANO-SUIZA. With reference to your F11/JL.26.10.32 we have made enquiries re the weights of Xbrs and Ybrs engines. We believe the weight of the Xbrs is 390 kgs., but 430 kgs. for the Ybrs is very doubtful. The lightness of these motors is ascribed to the following causes:- (1) Use of nitrogen treated steel. The thickness of the cylinder liners has been reduced (?) and the crankshaft made considerably lighter. (2) Use of magnesium alloy instead of 'dural' etc. It is claimed that the sp.{Mr Spinney} gravity of the new alloy is only 40% of that of duraluminium and certain other aluminium alloys. We do not know how much truth there is in the above statement, but we know that the latest Xbrs. has a Mg. alloy crank-case. This new alloy is not quite 'au point' as the danger of ignition still exists. It also appears a new type of carburetter will be used on the Xbrs, the old model not being satisfactory. MNG. | ||