Post by Diarist on Sept 26, 2015 17:28:43 GMT 1
We had an interesting meeting this morning - several important decisions had been made while we were gone.
The aviation section has reviewed the work on the two monoplane fighters being constructed by Hawker and Supermarine. Although both firms are owned by the same organisation the Hurricane's constructional design is already outdated. It uses the traditional Hawker construction techniques, with a Warren truss box-girder primary fuselage structure with high-tensile steel longerons and duralumin cross-bracing using mechanically fastened rather than welded joints. In contrast, the Supermarine design uses all-metal monocoque construction and is thus both lighter and stronger, though less tolerant to bullet damage. Hawker has been instructed to finish the first prototype as planned but the second and subsequent aircraft will utilize the Supermarine design. Another change required by the Air Ministry is for the aircraft to carry eight instead of four .303 machine guns but again the first prototypes won't be effected.
Rolls-Royce and Bristol have been instructed to concentrate on their Merlin and Hercules designs. Engines with at least 1,000hp have priority. The Air Ministry is also drawing up a AM specification for a cannon armed fighter, (F37/35).
We already knew about the decision to cancel the A9 and A10 tanks - a turretless Infantry Support Vehicle using the A10 chassis and the 75mm gun has been ordered. When available, a anti-tank version armed with the 6-pdr tank gun will be considered. The Wright R-975E-C2 400hp engine will be produced under-licence by Leyland for a battle-tank which will also be armed with the 6-pdr gun.
No decision has been made yet which rifle will be the standard infantry weapon but it will definitely be a semi-automatic design. The goal is to increase the firepower of squads and platoons. Industry has also been requested to offer designs for a new 2-inch and 3-inch mortar.
The Navy is currently preoccupied with preparing for a possible conflict with Italy. Capital ships and cruisers are being given more anti-aircraft weapons. A new battleship class is on the drawing board while two former heavy cruisers are being converted to light aircraft-carriers. The Admiralty has a design team in the USA working on a new larger carrier with 30,000 to 35,000 tons displacement and up to 80 aircraft. Six battleships and six aircraft-carriers are planned.
Many are wondering how we are going to pay for all this. Apparently our cousins across the pond are interested in purchasing territory around the world and the British empire has a lot to offer. Additionally we have many US-UK joint-ventures cropping up. Britain can also expect to receive material being produced by subsidiaries in Australia, Canada and South Africa although Australia has its own defence requirements due to the threat posed by Imperial Japan.
We also discussed anti-submarine projects as well as the new RADAR technology and its potential in the air-defence sector. The Army is forming two Anti-Aircraft divisions - one to defend London and the South-East while the second will defend the Midlands area. Another topic was the creation of a shadow economy with the auto industry secretly producing aircraft engines and other parts. They will be assembled elsewhere. New factories must also be built.
It was already lunchtime so we finished the meeting. We will be going to the MoD on Monday afternoon which means that I need to work on my airborne assault project.