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).
Status report on various Merlin engine tests and the progress of fitting American-made bearings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 115\2\ scan0609 | |
| Date | 22th November 1940 guessed | |
| -2- 5. Merlin X. No.7. This engine is ready to carry out Worth dilution tests, after which it will be rebuilt and 26 U.S.A. bearings fitted. 6. Merlin G.9 (HY.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Development Engine) Preliminary curves prior to 100 hours Development Test, are in progress; 14 U.S.A. bearings are fitted, including 4 SKF. and 2 MRC. types. 7. Merlin XX.No.11517. The above is being assembled for emergency boost tests. Instructions have been issued for the fitment of 15 U.S.A. bearings, comprising 6 types, all supplied by SKF. Specifications to include American bearings, are being prepared for the following engines:- Merlin No.2433 - (R.M.4.S) - Bearing Development. Merlin XX.No.9839 - Clearance tests for Merlin XX.modifications. Merlin XX.No.10121 - Fuel economy tests. Summary. Total number of bearings in progress:- 153. The position of these is as follows:- 20 Bearings - have completed 20 hours test and are in satisfactory condition. These are now being refitted for further service. 44 Bearings - are fitted to engines which are actually on test. 63 New Bearings - are being fitted to engines now in course of assembly. 26 Further Bearings - are allocated for fitment. The above includes all types of bearings at present available other than those with Tufnol cages. HPS{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr}/RS.{Sir Henry Royce's Secretary} | ||