Armstrong Siddeley Motors memo from DM Lambert to Mr Saxton: Metropolitan-Vickers...

DML/MB/M.2311 Paragraph 2: During recent discussions on sales policy for the SR A.1, the MV representative said he understood that his firm would not be in a position to supply F2/4 units for any production programme, as all the development rights for the engine had been sold to de Havillands. Since no production was forseen, the inference was that de Havillands were merely buying the experience on axial compressors, annular combustion chambers etc., and were not intending to produce the F2/4 as such. Paragraph 3: Saunders-Roe are anxious to find an alternative engine within the next two years. The AJ.65 I think is too big and so are the Nene, Derwent and all other available units. The Armstrong Siddeley AS.45C would probably fit very well, but we do not know where it stands, and it will certainly not be ready in two years from now. If Napiers go ahead on their equivalent of the AS.45C, this also would presumably not be ready