Successful development of the aircraft from its Comet guise led to an RAF commitment of 46 initial Nimrod MR.Mk 1 models. The first was accepted into service during October of 1969. Fitted with an array of anti-ship and reconnaissance equipment, the Nimrod also carried bombs and torpedoes as a particular mission set required. Later versions were given additional hardpoints (external) to field even more potent air-to-air/air-to-surface missiles and mine dispensing munitions.
The R.Mk 1was a SIGnals INTelligence (SIGINT) model built from three Nimrod frames. The crew numbered four and some 25 specialists were carried to work the equally-specialized equipment onboard. The R.Mk 1 models lacked the MAD boom prevalent in the MR.Mk 1 models.
The MR.Mk 2 was brought online in 1975 and built up from the existing MR.Mk 1 fleet through 35 examples. The electronics fit on these aircraft was vastly upgraded from the original models and a newer, more powerful radar was installed. These began service in August of 1979. The MR.Mk 2P was an off-shoot that included an in-flight refueling capability (debuted during the Falklands war with Argentina). The missile-minded form became the MR.Mk 2P(GM) used in the 1991 Gulf War.
The AEW.Mk 3 was developed as a potential Airborne Early Warning (AEW) platform and numbered eleven planned conversions of existing Nimrods. Appropriate radars would be fitted for the role but the program proved cost-prohibitive and was dropped in favor of acquiring Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft from the Americans.
The final major model of note was the proposed MRA.Mk 4 which intended to improve on nearly every facet of the MR.Mk 2 fleet. Again, cost came into play and the project was canceled in the 2010 defense review. The MRA.Mk 4 was to have a base crew flight crew of two with seven specialists in designated roles. There would be up to thirteen relief crew members onboard as well for extended flights, allowing the Nimrod to fly missions exceeding 15 hours, extending the eyes and ears of coastal defense for as long as need be.
The Nimrod series went on to see direct combat actions in the Falklands War (1982), the Gulf War (1991), Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2014) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011). Beyond this the line was an excellent Search and Rescue (SAR) platform throughout its service life. Six operational squadrons were stocked with the Nimrod along with a training and a trials unit. Few exist as museum showpieces today.
Retired from active service on June 28th, 2011, the British moved on without a viable maritime patroller until the RAF committed to the Boeing P-8 Poseidon in July of 2016. Delivery of machines is expected sometime before the end of the decade.
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