Armstrong Siddeley Motors: Visit to Saunders-Roe Ltd (Cowes IoW) for further discussion...

Present: Mr Gouge (Saro) Mr Knowles (Saro) Mr Golovine (Armstrong Siddeley Motors) Mr Lambert (Armstrong Siddeley Motors) Mr Gough explained that his aim was to produce a flying boat of very up-to-date design with the latest and most powerful type of turbine-propeller engine. He considers that a cruising speed of 375 mph at 35,000 ft will be necessary to compete with American aeroplanes which will come into service in 2 to 3 years' time. It would also appear that the first S-45 will be handed over to BOAC after a minimum of test flying. This delivery will be followed by two more boats, probably at 6 to 9 month intervals. Summarising the present negotiations: a. Original project with Python engines b. Request by Saro for boosted ASP unit c. Further demand of higher power lading to the 'Cobra' project Page 2: Mr Golovine gave Saro the following figures: 1. Cruise conditions use 7,800 rpm climb curves of the standard Python plus 5% 2 Take-off (NTP) with 15 gallons/min of water per engine; about 4,800 ESHP 3 take-off (tropical) use standard Python curve at NTP conditions