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).
Visit by Mr. North concerning issues and alternative suppliers for aero engine magnetos.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 43\4\ Scan081 | |
| Date | 19th August 1927 | |
| X 4021 Extract from RL/M19.8.27. VISIT TO WW. BY MR.NORTH CONCERNING MAGNETOS. X.3835 X.4021. Regarding magnetos for aero engines, it will be understood that owing to some trouble with the Air Ministry connectors, and perhaps some other small details, the Watford magneto had a setback, and the B.T.H. was used instead. Pressure of events did not permit us to return to the Watford magneto until recently, when it was found that the B.T.H. failed to reach the speed necessary for the overspeed of the high compression RR.F. engine. We have therefore renewed interest in the Watford magneto, which we understand is the only one that meets the requirements of the high speed racing Napier engine. In the discussion with Mr. North the impression was formed that we did not return the defective magnetos to the Watford Co. because they were the property of the Air Ministry, and we could not move in the matter. Mr. North has the impression however that some of the magnetos have been paid for by R-R, and are our property, and we can therefore do what we like with these, and he suggests that if they are not entirely satisfactory they be returned to their Works with a report of their defects, so that they can put them right at their own expense without delay. Anyway I think we ought to act independently of the Air Ministry in this matter of getting some good magnetos for our engines, even if we temporarily steal some of the Air Ministry's machines from our Stores so that they can be put right and available for test. I am aware that this machine has not yet passed a type test, but I think this has been largely delayed because of it waiting for a satisfactory report from the aero engine builders. I understand that it is the most satisfactory English machine which is available. Regarding other aero engine magnetos, great progress seems to have been made in extra high speed magnetos by the Scintilla, and Splitdorf people. The former, probably being quickly obtainable from Switzerland, is to be preferred, and we should make an effort to get one or two of these machines in the single and double types which are produced. It will be realised that the light double vertical machine, which is reported to weigh 12 lbs. for the two independent ignitions, should be invaluable as a specimen to induce the English makers to equal, that is, if it proves reliable. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||