The Nimrod Review - Official Documents

The Nimrod Review
18
Nimrod MR2
2.17
In 1975, a comprehensive programme of upgrading the avionics on the MR1 began, including fitting the
new Thorn EMI Searchwater radar, 14 a new GEC Central Tactical System and the AQS-901 acoustics system
compatible with the latest generation of sonobouys, and the Loral Electronic Support Measures System located
in two new wing tip pods. The upgraded aircraft became the Nimrod MR2. A total of 35 Nimrod MR1s were
upgraded to the Nimrod MR2 standard by BAE Systems between 1975 and 1984. The first Nimrod MR2 was
delivered to 201 Squadron at RAF Kinloss on 23 August 1979. 15
2.18 The decision by the Argentinean junta to invade the Falkland Islands in April 1982 gave rise to an Urgent
Operational Requirement (UOR) to equip the Nimrod MR2 with an Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) capability as part of
Operation Corporate. In just 18 days, eight Nimrod MR2s were fitted with in-flight refuelling probes, taken from
Vulcans, and stabilising winglets on the tailplane. The probes were linked to ordinary ground refuelling hoses
running through the cockpit, down the centre aisle of the aircraft and exiting the cabin in the galley area to join the
refuel gallery in the wings. The fitting of the AAR capability extended the Nimrod’s endurance to 20 hours in the
air. 16 The Nimrod MR2’s self-defence capability was also enhanced by modifying their under-wing hard points to
take AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. 17 They flew numerous patrols over the South Atlantic from Ascension
Island in support of British operations during the Falklands War.
2.19
2.20
2.21
In more recent years, the MR2 has been fitted with an electro-optical camera for imagery intelligence (IMINT)
tasks.
The operating crew of the MR2 comprises two pilots and a flight engineer, two weapon systems officers
(WSO) (tactical and route), and a WSO who is the sensor and communications coordinator and who, in turn, is
supported by a team of two ‘wet’ weapon systems operators (WSOps) and four ‘dry’ WSOps. The ‘wet’ team
supervise the aircraft’s acoustic processors, which monitor active and passive sonobuoys, whilst the ‘dry’ team
manage a range of radar and non-acoustic sensors.
There are currently 11 Nimrod MR2s in existence, operated by No. 120 Squadron, No. 201 Squadron, and No.
42(R) Squadron at RAF Kinloss. 18
Nimrod AEW3
2.22
In August 1972, the RAF issued an AST to replace its Airborne Early Warning (AEW) variant of the Shackleton
operated by No. 8 Squadron. In March 1977, the procurement was announced of a specialised version of the
Nimrod. This variant would have a large bulbous radome in the nose and tail to house Marconi scanners providing
360º radar coverage. Three AEW3 development aircraft were manufactured and the first one flew on 16 July
1980. A production batch of eight Nimrod AEW3 aircraft was then laid down using a further eight redundant
Nimrod MR1 airframes. 19 The first flew on 9 March 1982 and by late 1984 the first ‘interim standard’ Nimrod
AEW3 aircraft was delivered by British Aerospace to No. 8 Squadron to allow crew training to commence. 20 In
September 1986, however, technical problems with the AEW3 system led to the programme being re-opened
to competing bidders. In December 1986 the Boeing E-3 Sentry AWAC was awarded the contract. The Nimrod
AEW3 programme was cancelled. The Nimrod AEW3 airframes were stored at RAF Abingdon until they were
scrapped in the 1990s.
14 A radar specifically designed for the maritime role, which replaced the ASV 21 radar.
15 XV236.
16 Nimrods fitted with AAR were known as MR2Ps until the fleet were all at Mod 715 standard.
17 Which led to the Nimrod MR2 being called “the largest fighter in the world”.
18 A detailed history of the Nimrod fleet up to 1985 can be read in “British Aerospace Nimrod – Modern Combat Aircraft No 24” by John Chartres.
Ian Allan, UK, April 1986 ISBN 0711015759.
19 Causing Air Marshall Sir John Curtiss, AOC 18 Group to remark – “We don’t have enough Nimrods.”
20 www.aeroflight.co.uk/types/uk/bae_systems/nimrod/nimrod.htm