Thread: F-35's Costs Climb Along With Concerns
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Old April 29th 06, 10:11 PM posted to sci.military.naval,rec.aviation.military,rec.aviation.military.naval
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Default F-35's Costs Climb Along With Concerns
In article ,
(Ricardo) wrote:

Incidentally, a few sources have claimed that the Packard
built Merlin, whilst a superb engine, lacked the power levels
of the Rolls Royce version. This, it is claimed, was because
the British kept secret the composition of the phosphor-bronze
bearings that they used in the engine.

The Packard Merlin did differ as far as I know but also as far
as I know it was not because of secrets. The British versions
were to closer tolerances requiring much more skill in assembly.
In "Sigh for a Merlin" a fault called skew gear failure was
traced to a difference in assembly order from Rolls Royce in one
of the (British) shadow factories.

Ken Young