Nimrod Retirement next week ...4 go to museums
Discussion
Sad news the MR2 is being retired a year early due to budget cuts and its subsequent MRA4 replacement being delayed a further year to save money, leaving us with no long range SAR cover and no Maritime Patrol/Sub Hunters for two years 
However there is some good news that 4 have been earmarked for museums. At least one, at Elvington will be kept in live taxying condition, so at least we will be able to hear those Speys for many more years to come.
More details here
http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&...
However there is some good news that 4 have been earmarked for museums. At least one, at Elvington will be kept in live taxying condition, so at least we will be able to hear those Speys for many more years to come.
More details here
http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&...
From the MOD Website yesterday:
Following over 30 years of service, the last flight of the Nimrod MR2 fleet has taken place today, Thursday 31 March 2010.
The Nimrod MR2 marked its last operational flight with a flypast of airfields in the north of Scotland before the fleet is retired.
Over the last few days, MR2s have visited some of the air bases that have helped form its history, such as the former RAF St Mawgan (now Newquay International Airport) and in Guernsey, to mark 201's Squadron's affiliation with the Island.
An ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) asset, the Nimrod MR2 Force has been tasked to perform a wide variety of roles in support of the UK's defence.
They have had the capability to conduct surveillance over land and sea, anti-submarine attack and search and rescue.
On Friday 26 March 2010, VIPs, RAF personnel, their families and a number of veterans attended an event at RAF Kinloss to mark the last days of the aircraft.
Attendees had the opportunity to look round a Nimrod aircraft and tour some exhibitions covering the operational role of the MR2 over its last 31 years.
A short parade of the Squadron Standards followed, and a valediction which was given by Air Officer Commanding 2 Group, Air Vic Marshal Steve Hillier.
The highlight of the event was the formation flypast of two Nimrods.
RAF Kinloss is part of No 2 Group, Air Command, RAF. The Station has been the permanent main operating base for the RAF Nimrod MR2 Force of 11 aircraft operated by crews from Nos 120 and 201 Squadrons.
The MR2 is due to be replaced by nine MRA4 aircraft, the first of which is expected in spring 2010.
RAF Kinloss Station Commander, Group Captain Robbie Noel, said:
"We are clearly sorry to see the Nimrod MR2 retire but today is an opportunity to reflect on the marvellous contribution to national security made by the Maritime Patrol Force.
"The Nimrod has been involved in every major conflict in the last 40 years as well as protecting the UK's shores and supporting those working at sea through its Search and Rescue role.
"Much of our work has necessarily been shrouded in secrecy, but it is with great pride, affection and confidence that we say farewell to this version of 'The Mighty Hunter'.
"It is essential, also, that we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving on and with this Force; we remember them vividly, and they continue to inspire our efforts.
"Equally, it is important to recognise the endeavours of the great swathes of personnel who have supported the Force: the Servicemen and women, their families, Civil Servants, our partners in Industry, and, of course, our fabulous local community.
"Having amassed over 3,000 flying hours on this aircraft, I will certainly miss the MR2 but look forward, as we all do at Kinloss, to the arrival of MRA4 in the next few months.
"The new version of 'The Mighty Hunter' is a huge leap forward, and I am particularly excited to be introducing it to Kinloss in the very near future."
Yorkshire Air Museum near Elvington is the first museum to buy a Nimrod for its collection and will be taking delivery on 13 April 2010 and thereafter there are plans to put Nimrods in other museums.
Following over 30 years of service, the last flight of the Nimrod MR2 fleet has taken place today, Thursday 31 March 2010.
The Nimrod MR2 marked its last operational flight with a flypast of airfields in the north of Scotland before the fleet is retired.
Over the last few days, MR2s have visited some of the air bases that have helped form its history, such as the former RAF St Mawgan (now Newquay International Airport) and in Guernsey, to mark 201's Squadron's affiliation with the Island.
An ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) asset, the Nimrod MR2 Force has been tasked to perform a wide variety of roles in support of the UK's defence.
They have had the capability to conduct surveillance over land and sea, anti-submarine attack and search and rescue.
On Friday 26 March 2010, VIPs, RAF personnel, their families and a number of veterans attended an event at RAF Kinloss to mark the last days of the aircraft.
Attendees had the opportunity to look round a Nimrod aircraft and tour some exhibitions covering the operational role of the MR2 over its last 31 years.
A short parade of the Squadron Standards followed, and a valediction which was given by Air Officer Commanding 2 Group, Air Vic Marshal Steve Hillier.
The highlight of the event was the formation flypast of two Nimrods.
RAF Kinloss is part of No 2 Group, Air Command, RAF. The Station has been the permanent main operating base for the RAF Nimrod MR2 Force of 11 aircraft operated by crews from Nos 120 and 201 Squadrons.
The MR2 is due to be replaced by nine MRA4 aircraft, the first of which is expected in spring 2010.
RAF Kinloss Station Commander, Group Captain Robbie Noel, said:
"We are clearly sorry to see the Nimrod MR2 retire but today is an opportunity to reflect on the marvellous contribution to national security made by the Maritime Patrol Force.
"The Nimrod has been involved in every major conflict in the last 40 years as well as protecting the UK's shores and supporting those working at sea through its Search and Rescue role.
"Much of our work has necessarily been shrouded in secrecy, but it is with great pride, affection and confidence that we say farewell to this version of 'The Mighty Hunter'.
"It is essential, also, that we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving on and with this Force; we remember them vividly, and they continue to inspire our efforts.
"Equally, it is important to recognise the endeavours of the great swathes of personnel who have supported the Force: the Servicemen and women, their families, Civil Servants, our partners in Industry, and, of course, our fabulous local community.
"Having amassed over 3,000 flying hours on this aircraft, I will certainly miss the MR2 but look forward, as we all do at Kinloss, to the arrival of MRA4 in the next few months.
"The new version of 'The Mighty Hunter' is a huge leap forward, and I am particularly excited to be introducing it to Kinloss in the very near future."
Yorkshire Air Museum near Elvington is the first museum to buy a Nimrod for its collection and will be taking delivery on 13 April 2010 and thereafter there are plans to put Nimrods in other museums.
Nice photo. Spent many a time at the end of St Mawgan's runway watching the Nimrods. Went to a few Airshows there in the 80's & 90's aswell.
Hope the MRA4 comes into service as soon as possible. Better news for St Mawgan recently aswell, Westlands are using the airfield for pilot training.
Hope the MRA4 comes into service as soon as possible. Better news for St Mawgan recently aswell, Westlands are using the airfield for pilot training.
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 2nd April 23:21
I lived not far from Kinloss until I was about 12(ish), and my parents were pally with plenty of people there (and I was pally with plenty of people's sons there). I distinctly remember one day my dad saying someone had told him that a visiting canadian (I think) aerobatic team (maybe) were being a nuisance by doing "low flying" over the runway or what have you, so a nimrod snuck up behind them and flew underneath, so low that it wouldn't have even been able to extend landing gear.
Does anyone recognise this incident? I'm sure that the reality would have been rather different but bearing some resemblance to that story so I'd love to hear what really happened.
Does anyone recognise this incident? I'm sure that the reality would have been rather different but bearing some resemblance to that story so I'd love to hear what really happened.
Edited by Somewhatfoolish on Friday 2nd April 23:32
Got to fly on one in my ATC days-2 hours over the north sea on a training mission, most of it at low altitude and then an hour of circuits and bumps during which the instructor would lean over and go for example "right,this one you're doing with only 3 engines" or "this time with no flaps"
That was interesting!!
That was interesting!!
Coventry's MR2 is due on 11 May.
http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&...
Elvingtons is due on 13 April as per the link at the top of this thread.
Both are to be kept in live taxiable condition
http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&...
Elvingtons is due on 13 April as per the link at the top of this thread.
Both are to be kept in live taxiable condition
There are some pics on the UKAR forums, http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=10&am...
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