The ‘H’ – later Buzzard- was basically a scale-up of the ‘F’ and the racing ‘R’ was a beefed-up ‘H’. The original Griffon in 1933 was a derated ‘R’ but the wartime Griffon was a completely new engine, albeit with the same cylinder dimenssions. None of these engines were related that closely to the Condor, which was old-tech by 1927 and had had its day.
This is from a minute dated 4.12.26 in in AIR 5/436 “General Position of Schneider Cup Aircraft”
With reference to the last paragraph of conclusions, Messrs. Rolls-Royce have been asked to investigate the possibilities of redesigning the Condor engine on the same lines as the F.X. engine. In the first instance we are proposing to build a service engine of this type and later on to boost it up to see what can be done for racing purposes. The capacity of the Condor III engine is 2138 cubic inches, and if developed on the same lines as the Lion Series VIIA engine the redesigned engine should develop 1070 B.H.P. @ 2600 R.P.M. and would weigh approximately 1000 lb. Action is being taken with Messrs. Rolls-Royce with a view to producing three engines of the new type, and it is understood that the designs will commence in three weeks from date. As soon as the scheme drawings have been completed we shall be able to give you more data with regard to frontal area, horse-power and weight.
R.D.E.3
4.12.26. (Signed) A.D./R.D.E
I think this shows that the Buzzard and “R” were derived from both the Condor and the F.X ( aka Kestrel) and that there was, even in 1926, an an intent to produce a racing engine from this development.
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