| Originally
designed as a maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft, the Nimrod
has become famous for its role in support of many air-sea rescues.
Less well known
is the secondary role for which a number of aircraft were adapted.
The original
maritime equipment was removed from the airframe, and replaced with
a highly sophisticated and sensitive suite of systems used for reconnaissance
and the gathering of electronic intelligence.
The ability
of the Nimrod to loiter for long periods, following a high speed
dash to the required area of operation, make the aircraft ideally
suited to this task.
Entered
Service: 1974
Powerplant: Four Rolls-Royce RB168-20 Spey 250
turbofans of 12,140lb st.
Span: 114ft 10in (35.00m)
Length: 118ft 9in (36.19m)
Max Speed: 575mph (926km/h)
Accommodation: Crew of 12
|
