Nimrod R1 last flight

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reheat module
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Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by reheat module »

Waddington based Nimrod R1 XW665 will make its historic final flight on 27th October, with a flight over RAF Waddington at 1500L to signify its final return from Ops. Thereafter, key components will be removed, before the frame is potentially placed at the Newark Air Museum.
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Alpha462
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by Alpha462 »

Be nice to see it at Newark, it is a big airframe to preserve though.

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capercaillie
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by capercaillie »

Is this a winding down of the R1 fleet ahead of the RC-135s being operated, or will another surplus MR2 be converted?
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138EAW
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by 138EAW »

capercaillie wrote:Is this a winding down of the R1 fleet ahead of the RC-135s being operated, or will another surplus MR2 be converted?


I was thinking that surely 51 Sqn need more than 2 airframes? Havent seen anything recently about the RC-135
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scotthldr
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by scotthldr »

I thought the MRA4 was taking over some of the roles of the R1, and with 5 Sqn's Sentinels/Shadows now worked up as well, I would've thought any capability gap would be covered.

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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by ursa_major »

RRR7251 landed 1340 after an overshoot.

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DerekF
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by DerekF »

scotthldr wrote:I thought the MRA4 was taking over some of the roles of the R1, and with 5 Sqn's Sentinels/Shadows now worked up as well, I would've thought any capability gap would be covered.



Maybe so but MRA4 is a long way from a service entry and any covering of capability gaps.

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T_J
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by T_J »

scotthldr wrote:I thought the MRA4 was taking over some of the roles of the R1, and with 5 Sqn's Sentinels/Shadows now worked up as well, I would've thought any capability gap would be covered.


The MRA4 may have a fantastic ESM suite, but that doesn't make it a SIGINT platform, or able to take over any of the roles of 51 Squadron. A dedicated replacement for the R1 is required to fulfil that function.

TJ

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NAM Updater
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by NAM Updater »

In response to comments here and on other fora the trustees of Newark Air Museum can confirm that they are in negotiations over the possible acquisition of a Nimrod R1 airframe.

If, and when further details are agreed any official news updates will be posted here on the museum website first!
Howard Heeley - Newark Air Museum Trustee
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by Finningley Boy »

This phrase "Capability Gap" sounds like yet another very recent expression we're all going to have to get used to, along with the Government mismanagement which gave rise to it! :sick:

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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by NAM Updater »

A brief further update has just been added to the museum website.
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MarkL
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by MarkL »

Good luck NAM !!

It's great to see institutions like yours looking to preserve our heritage, keep up the great work !

Mark
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by Manonthefence »

Finningley Boy wrote:This phrase "Capability Gap" sounds like yet another very recent expression we're all going to have to get used to, along with the Government mismanagement which gave rise to it! :sick:

FB

I believe in this case, instead of Government Mismanagement we can use the phrase "Credibility Gap"

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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by NAM Updater »

Mark Lindley wrote:Good luck NAM !!

It's great to see institutions like yours looking to preserve our heritage, keep up the great work !

Mark

Thank you for your kind words.
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Chef_uk
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by Chef_uk »

Would be a nice coup NAM. Hoping to come on a work visit from Waddo on the 12th November :)

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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by NAM Updater »

Chef_uk wrote:Would be a nice coup NAM. Hoping to come on a work visit from Waddo on the 12th November :)

It certainly would Chef – everything’s crossed over here. :smile:

Doubt it’ll be sorted before your possible visit through!! I saw the date marked up on our events list and if previous visits are anything to go by it should be a good day. Sadly I won’t be there myself I’m due to be on the ‘East Coast’ shouting for the ‘Senior Squadron!’ :topbombing:
Howard Heeley - Newark Air Museum Trustee
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http://newarkairmuseum.org

GertrudetheMerciless
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by GertrudetheMerciless »

Fingers crossed for all of you at NAM.

Lets hope the decision is made by someone with empathy towards the service's history, rather than someone trying to add some quick bucks to their budget.

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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by NAM Updater »

Thanks 'Gertrude' - as I said before everything's crossed at Newark!
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Nimrod / Comet assistance

Post by NAM Updater »

One minor update is the following website appeal.

“We are keen to hear from anyone that has any specific Nimrod / Comet technical knowledge or expertise. Please email us at newarkair@onetel.com

Or they could send me a PM.
Howard Heeley - Newark Air Museum Trustee
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http://newarkairmuseum.org

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steves4ssl
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by steves4ssl »

Does NAM still have the capability for such an aircraft to by flown in or would the R1 need to be be cut up and trailered?

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NAM Updater
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by NAM Updater »

Sadly I’m not in a position to discuss details – but a lot has changed in the twenty six and half years since Vulcan XM594 was flown from Waddington to Winthorpe.
Howard Heeley - Newark Air Museum Trustee
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steves4ssl
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by steves4ssl »

Good luck with the project and let's hope it comes off (I'm a huge Nimrod fan) As part of the team responsible for moving the Trident 3B (a similar size) by road from Heathrow to Manchester, we are more than aware of the "fun" this can be! :smile:

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chrisward123
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by chrisward123 »

Yes good luck with the bid, hope the project goes well, I will definetly visit! :smile:
Trident looks fab at Manchester! Worth a visit
Last edited by chrisward123 on Mon 02 Nov 2009, 1:22 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Nimrod R1 last flight

Post by NAM Updater »

Thanks for the kind words - I too am a big Nimrod fan! :smile:
Howard Heeley - Newark Air Museum Trustee
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