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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 1758.PDF
FLIGHT JULY 8TH, 1943 Action- damaged Aircraft Engines How "Bristol" Power Units are Repaired SOON after the outbreak of war the Bristol AeroplaneCompany developed a series of establishments devotedto the repair of aircraft engines which were damaged either by enemy action or through such misfortunes as crash-landings. While by far the majority of engines which are dealt with are the sleeve-valve type, all the com- pany's types come to these specialised works for repair, but it will simplify this article if one type only is dealt with, namely, the "Bristol" Hercules; the process is almost identical with every type. The damaged engines arrive at the repair works and inspectors categorise them under three headings: (1) Category B.—Repairable engines. (2) Category E.—Engines considered to be damaged beyondrepair, and to be reduced to produce spares. (3) Investigation engines.—These are engines on whichspecial investigation of some alleged failure has been requested either by the Air Ministry or the company'stechnical departments Such engines are removed to the " mortuary," where the " inquest " is held. In the case of Category E, engines damaged beyond repair, what at first sight may appear to be a hopeless mass ol crushed or burned metal, often covered with clay and turt, will give, when stripped down, a most varied selection of perfectly good components, particularly small items. These parts are, of course, subjected to the most rigorous acceptance tests and inspection before being passed to Stores, and anv suspicion of a defect or flaw is sufficient to warrant rejection. Stripping—"Flying Fortress" stand in background. Damaged engine on arrival. This material was of the greatest value, particularly in the early part of the war when new production engines • absorbed so much material. Indeed, so valuable is this work that there is a completely separate building devoted - to Category E engines alone, the output being distributed to the various repair units throughout the country. The Category " B " repairable engines for normal repair may be sub-divided into the following classes: (a) Engines which have completed full life hours and aredue for complete overhaul. (b) Engines damaged or shock-loaded, due to aircraft crashor forced landings. (c) Engine failures due to external troubles such as oilsupply failure, foreign bodies entering the supercharger, etc. (d) Incorporation of essential modifications.(e) Enemy action. When the damaged engine is received, it is removed from tys wooden packing case, fitted to a steel waiting stand, and is checked-in, a note being made of .engine type, serial numbers, accessories fitted, and deficiency of any major components, by the Inspection Department on the category sheet, which gives instructions as to the amount of stripping and cleaning required. Stripping of Engine The degree of stripping depends on the amount of repair required and the previous history of the engine as given by its log book, and whilst most of the engines are ido per cent, stripped, a few are stripped to the various sub-assemblies in order to rectify'some minor damage. The engine is mounted on a special stand capable of rotation, so that work may be carried out in any position. The sub-assem- blies, such as reduction gears, superchargers, etc., are stripped separately but kept together with the remainder of the engine. The com- ponents are loaded on to special trolleys which, when empty, so bristle with rods and protru- sions to take the various components that they have been christened in the shops '' Flying Fortresses." Blanks and protectors are fitted to all components which are ground to fine limits and finish to avoid damage during the course of the engine through the shops. Engines are stripped under the vigilant eye of an inspector, who issues a conditional report fot digestion by the technical co-ordination of the repair side, for the benefit of the design office and other repair bases. The engine is next cleared for cleaning. Engines which have had comparatively short runs, say up to 20 hours, and are free
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