Indianapolis branch

The Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust Allison Branch, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is responsible for maintaining and promoting all aspects of the rich heritage of Allison, which became part of Rolls-Royce in 1995.

James A. Allison, one of the founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, established the Allison Speedway Team Company in 1913 to provide a precision machine shop for car owners and drivers at the track. By 1919 the First World War had focused attention on aviation, and the newly renamed Allison Engineering Company received an Army contract to redesign the Liberty aircraft engine to increase its power substantially. In accomplishing this, Allison developed steel-backed, leaded bronze bearings, which were the forerunner of the type of Allison bearings used in most U.S. aircraft engines.

One of Allison’s most famous engines, the V-1710, became in 1937 America’s first 1000-horsepower engine. Widely used in World War II, it powered many famous aircraft such as the Lockheed P-38 Lightnings, Bell P-39 Aircobras and P-63 Kingcobras, North American P-51A and A-36 Mustangs, and Curtiss P-40 Warhawks. More than 70,000 V-1710 engines were shipped, with the final models reaching 1600 horsepower at takeoff as well as featuring a 2000 horsepower combat rating.

Towards the end of World War II, development turned to turbojets and turboprops, with Allison achieving the first U.S. civil certification of a turbojet, the J-33. The T-56 turboprop and 250 turboshaft became very successful and are still in production today. In addition the Rolls-Royce Indianapolis operations produce the T-800 turboshaft for a number of helicopter applications, the AE1107 turboshaft for the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and the AE3007 turbofan, which is widely used on the successful Embraer regional jet family. Military products include the Joint Strike Fighter LiftFan™ and F136 alternate engine (teamed with General Electric), while industrial and marine products round out the mix.

Meetings

Meetings are held periodically in the Indianapolis area and typically feature a speaker on a relevant topic. When appropriate, meetings are held jointly with the Indiana Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Guest and visitors are welcome.

Historical collection and exhibits

The Allison Branch has possession of a number of significant historical engines, although many await restoration at present. Currently there is no publicly accessible museum. The branch is in discussions with a number of parties to be able to make its collections more accessible in the future.

A Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust Collection has been established within the Rolls-Royce Corporation library in Indianapolis. This collection comprises materials that address Allison, Rolls-Royce or aerospace history; most items circulate and may be borrowed by any member in good standing.

The archives of the Allison Branch are sizable, with donations continuing to arrive. Volunteers are needed to organize, index, and help preserve the collection.