I always assumed these gearboxes were the product of the Anglo-French engine manufacturer E.N.V. and sources say that ENV was an acronym for "en-V" in French or 'in a V' which described their engine design which was of 90 degree configuration. Not much to do with gearboxes as such but these guys stayed in business into the 1950's I believe well after they stopped making aero engines. Hope that's correct info.
I always assumed these gearboxes were the product of the Anglo-French engine manufacturer E.N.V. and sources say that ENV was an acronym for "en-V" in French or 'in a V' which described their engine design which was of 90 degree configuration. Not much to do with gearboxes as such but these guys stayed in business into the 1950's I believe well after they stopped making aero engines. Hope that's correct info.
The standard reference work, Georgano, says on pp230: '...an English company with French works...mainly known for aero-engines. They obtained their name from the French 'en-V' meaning a V-layout engine'.
'There are two types of knowledge - knowing oneself or knowing where to look it up' - to paraphrase Samuel Johnson.
Maurice I have in front of me a lovely 5 page booklet on the E.N.V. ( notice dots after each letter )Engineering Company Ltd of Hythe Road, Willesden, London. It is undated but says that the company was founded 20 years ago and was originally known as E.N.V. Motors Ltd.under which name they produced a well known aircraft engine - an 8 cylinder 60 HP unit which was fitted to the first all british machine to fly the English Channel. The booklet shows pictures of all sorts of components and also a back axle testing machine. There are pictures of gear clusters but there is no mention of gear boxes in the list of products made. Probably this booklet was issued before they started making these. There is mention of an Agent in Brussels but no mention of any connection with France. Sorry this does not answer your original question but hope it is of interest ! Regards
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Posted - 05/06/2012 : 20:54:38
