Eclipse Magnetics has successfully re-magnetised the ignition magneto for an Mk XIX Spitfire which is part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Over the life of the magneto, the magnetism was suspected to have been depleted, and therefore needed to be re-magnetised during an overhaul.
Using its own specially developed re-magnetising and measuring equipment to measure the initial strength of the magneto’s magnet and its polarity, Eclipse Magnetics was able to re-magnetise the alnico magnet with the same polarity, and the resultant magnet strength was measured. A detailed performance report showing all measurements and figures from before and after the process was also generated. The process was successful, and Eclipse Magnetics was able to increase the magnetic outputin both units to very similar levels.
Dr Ewan Goodier CEng BEng Hons MIEEE MIET, Technical Sales Manager at Eclipse Magnetics Limited said: “We were very pleased to be a part of the overhaul on the Griffon engine magneto. Although we cannot guarantee that the magnet will be back to its brand new 100% value, we do know that it is significantly better than it was and will certainly generate a higher electromotive force.”
Wg Cdr Andy March MSc BSc(Hons) CEng FRAeS Finst LM RAF, the Assistant Type Airworthiness Authority for the BBMF aircraft, said: “The Ignition Magneto is classed as a Critical Engine Component and as such it is vitally important that it performs reliably and as it was originally designed to do.
