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).
Secret summary of opinions from the Air Force on a gun project and future armament requirements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 176\1\ img013 | |
| Date | 6th February 1940 | |
| SECRET. RHF 5 To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} C. L. P. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}4/MH.{M. Huckerby}6.2.40. GUN PROJECT. The R.R. Armament Division have been given the 13.2 gun as their next project by the Air Ministry. With the object of ascertaining the views of active members of the Air Force as to the ability of this gun to meet their future requirements, we visited Bomber and Fighter Command and also discussed the matter with a representative of the Director of Operational Requirements. The following is a brief summary of the opinions expressed as to the present state of affairs. (1) The .303 has been proved to be a remarkably satisfactory weapon as used in the 8-gun fighters and 2 and 4 gun turrets against unarmoured German reconnaissance and bomber machines. (2) Though the evidence is not entirely reliable, since most of the machines brought down fell into the sea, it appears that over 50% of the aircraft destroyed were disabled by putting the engines out of action. In only one case was the pilot killed. (3) Our machines escaped almost entirely unscathed. (4) None of the enemy machines had power operated turrets or armour. (5) Our bombers, with power operated .303 turrets, have done remarkably well against enemy fighters. It was generally considered that the Germans had without doubt realised the deficiencies of their machines, and that though owing to their mass production methods it might take some time to get the alterations into service, within the next two years armour plate protection and power operated turrets would be standard equipment on their aircraft. Therefore, any gun, the design of which was being started today, would have to take these two factors into consideration. The opinion was also expressed that "Scatter Gun" fire control would almost certainly be the predominant method of utilising armament for the duration of the War. | ||