Wind tunnel tests for Bentley, comparing cycle type wings with an alternative design seen on an Alvis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\2\ scan0190 | |
| Date | 17th July 1934 | |
| To Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Wind Tunnel Tests - Bentley. In the July number of the "Automobile Engineer" there is quite an attractive looking body fitted to the Speed 20 Alvis, produced by Lancefield Coachworks. In view of the fact that there are certain disadvantages to cycle type wings, more especially with regard to the fact that they are not altogether efficient and that they are impossible under conditions of snow, chains cannot be fitted, and they are liable to fill the brake drums with water. I think we should at least know how near we can get to the results obtained on B-23-AE with ordinary wings merged into the bonnet. Therefore, when you are next in the wind tunnel would you get a model made on the lines of this Alvis and tell us its comparative value. I am quite prepared to find that the result of inaccessibility of the power unit is more objectionable than the disadvantages of cycle type wings, but we can decide that when we have all the facts before us. [Handwritten note below] The attached is what you mean. One such body was exhibited at the R.A.C. Concours d'Elegance. at Bournemouth by Lancefield Coachwork. Windovers are doing a P.2. + 1 I know there will be quite a few at Olympia. My Wind Tunnel Tests showed that this front is exactly the same as cycle type wings. [Initialled in a circle 'HS {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} ? Pim'] [Stamped 'Received' with a postmark dated 18 JUL 1934] | ||
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).