Rotodyne tip-jet noise
I have copies of all UK National Archive documents pertaining to the Rotodyne. The definitive reason for its cancellation is that the British Government would not meet BEA Chairman Sholto Douglas' demand to provide indemnification of the corporation against noise complaints. BEA was otherwise willing to put the Rotodyne into service.
Another related reason is that the US Army was prepared to place an order for 200 Rotodynes based on the prototype. Fairey's decision to direct further development to the larger Type Z model resulted in abandonment of any further procurement efforts.
In either case, had the Rotodyne entered service, the impetus to reduce tip-jet noise would have existed much as occurred with the development of the turbojet into the turbofan.
Last edited by jpphoopha; 30th Jun 2013 at 15:44.