Project - RAF Waddington Air Show

NIMROD MR.2. XV248 48 - KSW (42(R) Sqn crew)

 

(Found to be 408 in Explore of 27.10.2006.)

 

Nimrod MR2

 

* Four-engined maritime patrol aircraft

* Crew of 13

* Can fly for 10 hours without refuelling

 

Details

 

The Nimrod entered service in 1969 as the MR1 version. Based on the civilian Comet airliner, the Nimrod was, and remains, the only jet powered long range maritime patrol aircraft in military service. Offering the advantages of speed and height during transit, while still capable of long patrol periods and, in particular, stealth in the anti-submarine mission. (Propeller-engined aircraft make a discrete resonance that can be detected by submerged submarines whereas the jet noise of the Nimrod is virtually undetectable.)

 

In the early 1980s, the aircraft was upgraded to MR2 standard; while the flight deck and general systems remained the same (apart from the later addition of an air-to-air refuelling probe as a result of lessons learned during the Falklands War in 1982, the main underwater and search systems were given a significant upgrade. All Nimrod MR2s are operated from RAF Kinloss, equipping Nos 120 and 201 Squadrons along with the Operational Conversion Unit, No 42 (Reserve) Squadron.

 

The Nimrod carries out 3 main roles; anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface unit warfare and search and rescue. It has an unrefuelled endurance of around 10 hours and, although capable of carrying 25 people, the operating crew comprises the following:

 

* 2 Pilots and a flight engineer operate the flight deck.

* 2 Navigators, who swap between routine and tactical responsibilities every other sortie.

* An Air Electronics Officer (AEO), who is sensor and communications coordinator.

* The sensor team includes 3 Air Electronic Operators (known as 'wet men') who are responsible for monitoring both active (searching) and passive (listening) sonobuoys.

* The remaining 4 Air Electronic Operators (known as 'dry men') manage a wide range of avionics and weapon systems essential in delivering Nimrod's capability.

 

Nimrod Specifications

Engines:

Four Rolls-Royce Spey turbofans

 

Length:

126ft 9in (38.63m)

 

Wingspan:

114ft 10in (35.00m)

 

Top Speed:

575mph (926km/h)

 

Accommodation:

Crew of 13.

 

The Nimrod bomb bay carries the Stingray torpedo and the Harpoon missile for the anti-surface unit mission while for search and rescue duties the aircraft has a selection of air deliverable multi-seat dinghies, survival packs and other stores. The aircraft was also fitted to carry Sidewinder air-to-air missiles during the Falklands War (to allow for opportunity attacks on opposing surveillance aircraft more than for self-defence). Internally the aircraft can carry around 150 sonobuoys of several different types.

 

The majority of Nimrod tasking comes from the Maritime Headquarters (MHQ) at Northwood. Peacetime work includes surface and sub-surface surveillance and taking part in maritime exercises around the world; much of the Nimrod's work is in support of naval forces and it is essential to remain current in joint operations. There is always an aircraft on one hour readiness for search and rescue, primarily for downed military aircrew and military maritime incidents, however, Nimrods are tasked by the Air Rescue Coordination Centre, co-located at Kinloss, to attend many civil incidents. Such activity may include carrying out searches, assisting search and rescue helicopters or acting as on-scene commander at major incidents such as the Piper Alpha oil-rig disaster. The aircraft can operate as low as 200 feet whilst over the sea.

 

Although the Nimrod airframe is old the MR2 remains a potent and respected maritime patrol aircraft; mission system updates will maintain that capability. It has served with distinction in the Falklands Conflict, two Gulf Wars and in support of the maritime blockade of the Balkans during the Bosnia crisis, while also regularly monitoring Russian naval movements, both sub-surface and surface, in the North Atlantic during and since the Cold War. The Nimrod MR2 will continue in service until all squadrons will have been re-equipped with updated and re-engined aircraft known as Nimrod MRA4s.

 

A dedicated electronic intelligence version of the Nimrod, the R1, is described HERE.

Roles

 

* Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). Aerial patrols monitoring the activities of submarines.

* Anti-Surface-Unit Warfare (ASUW). ASUW covers a wide range of operations involving surveillance and reconnaissance missions that may culminate in the targeting and attack of enemy vessels.

* Search and Rescue (SAR). Nimrods can support SAR operations by assisting in the detection and location of personnel in emergency situations, providing a communications relay with attending helicopters.

 

Armament

 

Internal bay for up to nine torpedoes, bombs and depth charges; Sidewinder AAMs can be carried on underwing pylons for self-defence.

Recognition

 

Long 'double bubble' fuselage (1) with the cockpit built into the steeply raked nose (2). The fuselage tailcone extends well beyond the fin and rudder to house a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) unit (3). The low-set wings are slightly swept on the forward edge. The four turbofans are buried in the inboard section of the wings (4). Bullet-shaped wing fairings project from the leading edges towards the wingtips. The Nimrod's fin, which has a large dorsal section extending well forward, is surmounted by an elliptical-shaped fairing (5). An in-flight refuelling probe projects from the fuselage above the cockpit.

 

Nimrod MR2 recognition features

Squadrons

 

* 120 Squadron , 201 Squadron

* 42 (Reserve) Squadron,

* RAF Kinloss , [ RAF Kinloss website ]

Done