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).
Naming conventions and identity of different sized aero engines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179b\1\ img198 | |
| Date | 30th November 1932 | |
| M.G. FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} ORIGINAL C. to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} R-BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} ES. X2917. AERO ENGINES - NAMES. I very definitely think that to change the name of a given sized engine that will go into the same space is losing its identity, such as it would be to change the name of a chassis. I vote that all the 5 x 5.5 engines of the present type and size shall be Kestrels even if K.20. has to be used for a later series. All the 6 x 6.6 engines to have one name, either 'Buzzard', or another name, as 'Buzzard' was never a good name. The new size - 5.4 x 6 - would naturally have a new name, but let it be well considered, and as unique and dignified as possible. The multiplicity of names ends in no name or identity with the manufacturing firm. This is in accordance with our old practice and that of other makers who have made a name, and it is to my mind the best alternative to using our 'Rolls Royce F.{Mr Friese}' etc which I tried to adopt, and which was objected to by the Air Ministry as unsuitable for their references. R.{Sir Henry Royce} P.S. The only excuse for changing a name is if, under a given name, the man or engine has done badly. | ||