Armstrong Siddeley Python

Design and development

The design started as an experimental pure-turbojet known as the ASX, which commenced testing in 1943. By this point other engine designs were already entering pre-production, and it seemed there was little need for the ASX in its existing form. The design was then modified by the addition of a reduction gearbox to drive a propeller. The turboprop thus formed was named ASP.

Flight testing

Early flight-testing of the Python was carried out using the Lancaster B.1 (FE) TW911 and the Lincoln B.2 RE339/G: in each aircraft Pythons replaced the two outboard Rolls-Royce Merlins.

Lincoln B.2 RF403 had two Pythons similarly installed and was used for high-altitude bombing trials at Woomera, South Australia. These trials were principally of the ballistic casings for the Blue Danube atomic weapon: the Lincoln was the only available aircraft that could accommodate the large weapon casing, measuring 62 inches diameter x 24 ft in length. The Pythons were fitted to increase the height from which tests could be carried out. Maximum release height and speed for the first eleven tests was 275 mph and 34,783 ft with a bombing error of 61 ft.

Engines on display

An Armstrong Siddeley Python is on display at the East Midlands Aeropark Castle Donington.

Variants

;ASP.1 (Python 1):reduction gear ratio 0.127:1 ;ASP.2 (Python 2):reduction gear ratio 0.135:1 ;ASP.3 (Python 3):

Applications

• Avro Lancaster - (test only)
• Avro Lincoln - (test only)
• Westland Wyvern

Specifications (ASP.3)

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References

Notes

Bibliography

References

1. Gunston 1998, p.19.
2. The National Archives, London, file ES 1/44 E4C Appendix 3 page 1.
3. [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1954/1954%20-%200979.html Flight Global Archive - 1954] www.flightglobal.com. Retrieved: 3 November 2008