Hawker Siddeley initiated the Nimrod (meaning ‘Great Hunter’) project in 1964 using the Comet 4C’s basic airframe. Modifications were made such as the addition of a fuselage fairing covering the lower fuselage to accommodate the Nimrod’s planned ASW equipment, weapons, radar & other systems. Rolls-Royce Spey Mk.250 turbofans replaced the Comet 4C’s old Rolls-Royce Avon RA.29 turbojets, allowing the Nimrod to shut down two engines to increase range & endurance while on patrol. The Nimrod has some of the world’s most advanced ASW equipment, including an EMI ASV-21D search radar & an Emerson ASQ-10A Magnetic Anomaly Detector in the MR.Mk1, & an EMI Searchwater radar, Loral ESM wingtip pods, & an upgraded tactical suite, with a Marconi ASQ-901 acoustic data processing & display system in the MR.Mk2, complementing the MR.Mk1’s original systems.

The Nimrod is also a very capable weapon delivery system, & can carry up to 6,123kg (13,500lbs) of stores, including nine Stingray torpedoes or depth charges, Harpoon Anti-Ship Missiles, mines, Cluster Bombs, & Sidewinder AAMs (on underwing pylons). The Nimrod was very active during the Falklands War, & was hurriedly fitted with in-flight refuelling equipment so it was able to operate from Ascension Island. The Nimrod has not been exported, & is operated only by the RAF in the Maritime Reconnaissance role.

Nimrod MR.Mk2P

Type: Maritime patrol & ASW aircraft

Powerplant: four 5,507kg (12,140lb) Rolls-Royce Spey Mk250 turbofans

Performance: Max. speed 925km/h (575mph); Service ceiling 12,800m (42,000ft); Range on internal fuel 9,262km (5,755 miles)

Dimensions: Wingspan 35m (114ft 10in) excluding wingtip ESM pods; Length 39.34m (129ft 1in); Height 9.08m (29ft 9.5in); Wing area 197.04m² (2,121ft²)

Weights: Empty 39,010kg (86,000lb); Max. take-off weight 87,090kg (192,000lb)

Armament: Internal bay for up to 6,123kg (13,500lb) of stores, including 9 torpedoes and/or depth charges; underwing pylons for Harpoon anti-ship missiles or pairs of Sidewinder AAMs

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