Rolls-Royce Mamba

I hope you realise that the Wyvern was powered by the Armstrong Siddeley Python!

Easy mistake, but cor blimey what next, be saying 109s were painted yellow 🙂

The, Double Mamba, though more advanced than the Python, suffered many problems in its early life, so much so that it delayed the Gannet into full service, with some aircraft (and crews lost) in the process.
Though very different engines they suffered from similar problems, it has to be said that some problems were highlighted by carrier use, and both can be seen as pioneer powerplants in this respect.
Turbine stalling and fuel supply under acceleration were problems for both engines that took time to sought out. Another problem for the D.Mamba and Gannet was the huge trim change while approaching a carrier. Because the DM was a contstant speed engine (CSU) the air speed was controlled by propeller pitch, this caused a disruption of airflow over the rear fusalage, tailplanes and flaps, eventually a physical connection between the flap and all moving tailplane trim mechanisms helped to eleviate this.

Eventually the Double Mamba did become a reliable powerplant, developing good power in a neat installation and with twin engine flexibility – though it still had to be treated with care.

The Mamba (singular) was flown in the Avro Athena (x2), Armstrong Whitworth Apollo (x8),
Breguet Vultur (x2), Bolton Paul Balliol (x1, first single turboprop to fly), Douglas Dakota (x2), Miles M69 Marathon (x2), Short SB.3 (X4), and Short Seamew (around 8).
Numbers in brackets are engines used.

Pythons

Been here before see below

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=87355

At least two in Australia

Just testing….all that excitement on the Wyvern fuselage thread and I got my Pamba’s and Mython’s confused. All my mords wuddled up.:eek:

I’ll re-phrase it then:

Are there any Pythons?

Now…back to that book on the BAe Spitfire and its famous Napier Sabre engine.

Python & Mamba turboprops

It was the Royal Navy who, ultimately, made the most use of both these engines. The single Mamba being used in the Short Seamew, the double Mamba in the Gannet and the more powerful Python in the Wyvern.
It has to be said that the Python was not a particularly good engine, proving troublesome in development. Problems with its contra-props adding to its woes.
The Mamba, on the other hand, was a superb little engine and in Double configuration eventually equalled the Python in output but without the problems with either the engine or prop installation.

Anon.

Recent discussion on the Wyvern fuselage thread got me to thinking;

Is there a preserved example of a Mamba anywhere?

Surely there must be??

I hope you realise that the Wyvern was powered by the Armstrong Siddeley Python!

It was a single reverse flow turboprop driving contra-rotating props.

The Armstrong Siddeley (later Bristol Siddeley, and then Rolls Royce after DM production) Double Mamba was two Mamba axial flow turboprops joined together by a single gearbox, each engine driving a seperate co axial propeller on a contra rotating axis.

They are very different beasts, there are some Mambas in existence and quite a few more Double Mambas.

I presume, Jon, that Salford University is not the same as Manchester University? – who are believed to have a Napier Lion VIIB.

Roger Smith.

Wash your mouth out Roger 😉 Indeed, two completely separate instituitions. Are you thinking of UMIST perhaps which whilst a Uni in its own right had ties with Manchester? Having also been reminded recently of the stuff we drooled over at Liverpool Uni (Masters degree) I wonder what other delights are still lurking?

Jon

I presume, Jon, that Salford University is not the same as Manchester University? – who are believed to have a Napier Lion VIIB.

Roger Smith.

“Rolls-Royce” – how dare you sir!!!

The Mamba (and the Double Mamba) were products of Armstrong Siddeley Motors looooong before they became Bristol Siddeley and, eventually, Rolls-Royce. It’s like calling a Spitfire a “BAe Spitfire”.

The BAPC engine list (2003) has 11 listed in the U.K.

Roger Smith.

Oooops….sorry! Back to work on my book on the BAe Spitfire and Panavia 109 then!! It will be an authoratative title. The definitive work!

Salford University had a double mamba in the aeronautics department in the last nineties i remember seeing it on a tour round

There were some nice things there to drool over as students. 🙂 Wonder if the JP’s are still there?

Jon
Aeronautical Engineering BEng (Hons)
Salford University 1997-2001

sorry i meant late nineties

Salford University had a double mamba in the aeronautics department in the last nineties i remember seeing it on a tour round

Single Mamba

We, (The Aeroplane Collection(TAC)), rescued a Single Mamba from the Cranfield College of Aeronautics about 15-20 years ago. It was mounted on a rig in a test cell where it had been routinely run as an educational aid for students. However, it had suffered a turbine rear bearing failure and was due to go for scrap.
As you would imagine it was in great condition (apart from the bearing) and was soon down and on the trailer back to Warmingham. Cheshire.
It was (is) a historic engine as it, and the 4-blade de-H propeller fitted to it, had been used to power the Mamba-Dakota testbed from the 1950’s so had actually flown.
The necessary display stand was constructed and the engine was displayed at TAC’s facility until it was transferred to the Midland Air Museum on loan when TAC moved on. I believe it is still there on display.
A nice little engine which was a serious contender to power airframes which, ultimately, used the R-R Dart.
There always seemed to be plenty of ex-Gannet, Double Mamba’s about but the singles were quite scarce.

Anon.

There is one at the North East Aircraft Museum alongside a Double Mamba

“Rolls-Royce” – how dare you sir!!!

The Mamba (and the Double Mamba) were products of Armstrong Siddeley Motors looooong before they became Bristol Siddeley and, eventually, Rolls-Royce. It’s like calling a Spitfire a “BAe Spitfire”.

The BAPC engine list (2003) has 11 listed in the U.K.

Roger Smith.