Nimrod-are its days numbered?

[Angry Turnip]

Looks as if the Nimrod R1 and MR2 varients days may well be numbered.
 
The MR4A is still not due into service until 2012 at the earliest.
 
Both types are rumoured to be retired early despite extensive upgrades-it now looks almost certain that the UK will buy the US Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint.
 
The Nimrod retirement looked increasingly likely following the damning reports and outcry after the loss of XV230 and it`s 14 crew.
 
Personally I`m not sure buying the RC-135 is a good idea;it could become a very expensive quick fix.
 
 

[Dave]

Probably, although thankfully they'll all be snapped up by museums rather than scrapped. I know the viewing park at Manchester is getting a Nimrod later this year. 

[Angry Turnip]

Hopefully they will get a decent send off before retirement-would be great to get one for Portrush again.
I know the Nimrod has had it`s problems and critics but I think it is a fantastic machine.
 
The Rivet Joint could become a money pit if the MOD decide to fit UK engines and electronics;how many times have we seen that happen in the past
 

[Dave]

A formation of Nimrod's    Now that would be an impressive sight.

[casper]

The problem is that it takes so long to develop specialised aircraft in peace time. During the Falklands war the Sea King AEW was developed in less than three months. Today that would probably have taken over 10 years.

[casper]

A senior RAF officer has told BBC Scotland he fears   lives will be put "at risk" by the MOD's decision to withdraw Nimrods   from operations.
The RAF will bid farewell to the aircraft at   the Kinloss base in Moray on Friday when personnel and families will   commemorate the role of the MR2.
It is due to be replaced   operationally by the MRA4 in the autumn of 2012.

More Info

[Angry Turnip]

Yet again I think the MOD have scored an own goal by retiring the Nimrod MR2 almost a year  earlier than planned,and with no proper replacement aircraft or trained crews to fill the gap between the MR4A coming into service in late 2012.
 
The Nimrod is the only aircraft the RAF have to provide long range/endurance maritime patrols.
 
It reminds me of the farce surrounding the early retirement of the Jaguar,an aircraft the RAF could well do with in the present Afgan campaign.

[Angry Turnip]

Last Nimrod MR2 Flights are scheduled for Wednesday 31st March 2010.

[Dave]

Nimrod XV231 is arriving into Manchester today on it's last ever flight. It will become part of the small collection of the Manchester Aviation Viewing Park, yet another reason to have a visit over there.