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).
Meeting about the cost difficulties of the Peregrine project, focusing on material and testing costs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 1\8\ B001_X100 Engine Chassis-page122 | |
| Date | 5th December 1932 | |
| Secret 8407 Rey. from Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} SFT.{Mr Swift} " " Copy to-Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} J.R.H.G. Mr. Roy{Sir Henry Royce} Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}10/T5.12.32. Peregrine Re our meeting of this morning respecting the cost of the above. It was agreed:- Firstly, that Roy.{Sir Henry Royce} will give me full particulars within the next two or three days of his difficulties, and why he is unable to get down to the material figure which I asked for in August last. Secondly, it was agreed that Mr. Mills should be co-opted on Sft{Mr Swift}'s Peregrine Cost Committee in order that we can get down to the difficulties connected with the material side so that we may have a cost figure quickly. I was rather surprised at our conference when Roy.{Sir Henry Royce} stated that there were so many parts that were as costly or nearly as costly as the parts on the 20/25, and that he was really bang up against design on the Peregrine in getting anything like a reasonable material cost. It is obvious that we must get down to this very serious matter, because if we are going to make Peregrine in quantities the price will have to be a reasonable one. If Roy.{Sir Henry Royce} will make out a statement of his difficulties quickly we will have a full discussion with Experimental and Design. SFT.{Mr Swift} might also give me a list of any parts where the cost is similar to the 20/25, and any of his difficulties. Sft.{Mr Swift} did however, give me to understand that whilst he was having many difficulties, he was getting on rather well with the labour costs. I understand one of the difficulties SFT.{Mr Swift} is having is the cost of testing, and I am glad to hear that Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} is going to help to see if these costs cannot be very materially reduced. I also understand there are still quite a number of alterations taking place, and it makes it difficult in ordering 200 sets of material. London are asking for a promise when the first chassis will be ready of the 20 we decided to make. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} is also keen to get to know the Labour and the Material cost. contd: | ||