Quote:
Originally Posted by Crumpp
It is not a simple modification though.
|
The Merlin II III and IV were already being tested on 100 Octane in 1938:
http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchi...0-%203453.html
Rolls-Royce were able to get Merlin IIs and IIIs running on 100 Octane and 12 lbs boost by November 1939 - for the latter what was needed were the modifications to the boost control capsule; the modifications to the head needed for 100 octane would have been underway well before this.
100 octane "now in use" in April 1940
http://http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1940/1940 - 1142.html
To pretend that it took until 1942 to perfect the use of 100 octane is, as per usual from Crumpp, completely wrong, because Rolls-Royce was already testing engines using 100 octane fuel in 1938.
Timeline:
Merlin 45 (100 Octane Fuel): decision to use it in Spitfire; December 1940; Spitfire V operational February 1941 92 Sqn.
Merlin RM6SM Became Merlin 61: First tested Spitfire III; September 1941; Operational Service Spitfire IX June 1942 611 Sqn.
Crumpp's idea that 2 1/2 years was needed for testing is completely wrong - as per usual. New engines in a standard or modified airframe took less than a year. To declare that it took 2 1/2 years to test and approve 100 Octane in wartime is absolutely idiotic. Again, Crumpp is arguing for the sake of his ego, meaning this will continue forever because
Crumpp's Never Wrong.