Re: The Second Packard "Twin Six"

Posted by Dave Kenney On 2008/9/21 10:02:01

PackardV12fan wrote:



Later on, Packard took the Rolls Royce "Merlin" (which RR CLAIMS originated with the famous "SuperMarine" racers of the early 30's, but was in fact copied from Packard's aircraft engines) re-engineering the Merlin from a motor that had to be over-hauled every 200 hours, to one that would run way past 1,00 hrs before TBO.


Peter, Could you please elaborate or provide information on which Packard aircraft engine Rolls Royce used as a proto type for the Merlin.. I know that Packard made some "improvements" to the Merlin such as the use of interchangeable parts for mass production purposes which didn't require the fine hand fitting, the change from copper lead to those of GM developed silver lead main bearings, and also adapted the Wright drive quill supercharger for use on this engine but I am unaware or any Packard aircraft engines which resemble the Merlin or which Rolls-Royce copied. The Battle of Britain was fought and won with Rolls-Royce powered Hurricanes and Spitfires before any Packard engines were built. If any engine deserves credit for inspiring the Rolls Royce Merlin it is likely Hispano-Suiza engines. Please enlighten me since I am totally unaware of this.