Rolls Royce, Nottingham

[Julie Hall - WSCC AO Representative]

Today we have been to the new Hucknall Flight Test Museum, Nottingham and I thought that if I can spark a bit of interest, then more people will visit it to further it's success. If there is enough interest I would be willing to set up a group visit for our club. Glen and I were on a group visit today from the Great British Car Journey club that we are also members of.

 

After tea, coffee and biscuits (good start) we watched an 8 minute video which gave us an insight into the history of the site and its operations.

 

 

HUFTM

 

 

You walk out to the displays in the hangars, which are now listed buildings, and a guide talks you through a timeline along the way.

 

 

Kestrel engine supercharger c1934. Compressed air systems were tested to replace them.

 

 

If you like model aeroplanes there is a hangar with an impressive display from one person's collection, this included a Lancaster Bomber model with a propellor on the nose cone. Next we went upstairs where the engine testing was done, the guide was the retired employee that actually did the testing. This is a bit like an old fashioned rolling road I suppose. There is a video of one of the tests that costs £4 million, a blade is detonated during use to simulate a large bird strike proving that it can be contained within the cowling, this is not done often! 

 

 

This model shows why so many Spitfire pilots died, engine - fuel tanks - pilot in a line, not a good combination. The guide proudly informed us that this is like his Merlin, the MK 3. He's bringing it to the car museum soon to show us, we'll be available that day I can assure you.

 

 

This Merlin engine was out of a Lancaster Bomber

 

 

Giving 500 hp more is the Griffon engine

 

 

We soon progressed to the jet engines

 

 

Reverse Thrust was very first developed at Hucknall. 2 identical planes, one with and one without, the one without took 4 times the distance to stop, still used today. Air coming out the rear is closed off and forced in the opposite direction.

 

 

Up to date, this is what RR produce today, with all data fed back to Derby. Small fuel, less noise and large blades.

 

 

This photo is everywhere and is even used in their emblem. The first manned test was performed by the man that developed it, he was retired and had terminal cancer, so if it went wrong, well, you get the picture. There are a few interesting stories that involve fatalities and a memorial is included within the museum.

 

 

 

 

Curled for a reason, I am sure

 

 

We think we can talk about our car, these people here are bursting with enthusiasm and full of knowledge, they really bring the place alive.

 

Free entry, donations accepted. Hope you've enjoyed this little snippet.

 

 

 

 

 

[Ian Kinder (Bagpuss) - Joint Peak District AO]

No suck, bang, blow?