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Beloved of pilots, engineers, hydroplane drivers and airplane enthusiasts
the world over, the Rolls-Royce
Merlin engine represents an inspirational tale of a technical and
corporate relationship second to none.
Follow the talents and determination of the many real people who created
the engine from a technical heritage which dates back to the very early
days of the Rolls-Royce Company.
The contribution from companies on both sides of the Atlantic will be
discussed as the fifty seven versions of the engine became the chosen
powerplant for over twenty different airplane types in World War Two and
beyond.
Note: By way of explanation, Barry intends generally covering the
founding of Rolls-Royce, Arthur Rowledge and the Kestrel, the D-12, the
“R” engine, the PV-12 to the production Merlin; Royce, Hives,
Rubbra, Lovesey, Hooker et al; Supercharging; GM’s Kettering, Midgley
and the 100 Octane story; Ford’s contribution; Packard production
and the P-51 story. Overall production numbers and performance growth
over the life of the Merlin design.
Speaker Profile: Barry Latter
Aeronautical Engineer, Aviation Historian and Docent.
Born and educated in Britain – engineer with Hawker Siddeley Group
in England.
Emigrated to the USA in mid 1960s. Joined Boeing Commercial Airplane Company.
Engineer and engineering manager on 747, 767, 757 and Next Generation
737.
Became Chief Engineer 737/757 Airplane Performance & Airworthiness
Group 1991.
and Chief Engineer 747/767 Airplane Performance & Airworthiness group
1995 – 2000
Docent Museum of Flight 2000 – present.
Volunteer Historic Flight Foundation 2009 – present.
Fellow Royal Aeronautical Society.
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