Hello everyone; Happy New Year! This posting is to address the release date of the SWB Mamba turbojet. The release date is still January 2nd, 2003 (pretty soon), and engines will start shipping immediately. Those of you on our list are being contacted/have been contacted so that as soon as your engine is ready it can ship. We appreciate everyone's patience through the engine's development and extensive testing periods.

I noticed the question of air start vs. electric start, and would like to reply... Engine starting with the electric starter motors currently used is hard on the engines because of the low RPM at which the engines are forced to start. This is generally hard on the engine. Also, from a safety factor, air starting affords the ability to blow all combustibles out of the engine in the event of a fire or a wet start. Another benefit is the reduction in flight weight due to the decrease in onboard componentry required.

So, please ignore any rumors that tell you otherwise - the Mamba is being released January 2nd.

Jason
SWB