The Marconi Avionics AQS901 was a dual fit system, each system capable of processing 8 sonobuoys. The 'sonics system' mentioned above consisted of a chart recorder that burnt submarine signatures on to paper, apparently a smelly process. The aircraft has a galley, essential morale-boosting equipment and the focus of all activity on long flights. The Nimrod can refuel from a variety of tankers including the Hercules, which has to go into a shallow dive while the Nimrod throttles right back. There is a powerful searchlight on the starboard wing, mounted on a fuel tank called the 4A tank. The searchlight is 7 million candle power and cannot be struck on the ground for more than a few seconds or the heat generated destroys the searchlight. The 4A tank is fitted with a black plastic cover which breaks off in a under-carriage-up landing to reveal a small wheel which protects the tank and hopefully stops it rupturing.

21 Nimrods are to be upgraded to 'Nimrod 2000' standard, at a total cost of 1.8 billion pounds. They will have BMW/Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, a new centre wing section, a new mission system, avionics, cabin interior and cockpit, and are due in service around 2002.

 

Nation of Orgin: England
Constructor: de Havilland - British Aerospace
Type: long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft
Wing span : 114'10"(35m)
Length : 126'9"(38.63m)
Height : 28'6"(8.69m)
Wing area : 2059sqft(191.28m²)
empty : 73816lb(33,483kg)
max t-o weight : 177500lb(80,510kg)
Engine: four Rolls-Royce Spey RB168-20/250 turbofans, 12,140lb (5,506kg) thrust
Max speed : 575mph(926km/h)
Ceiling : 42,000ft(12,800m)
Range : 5,755miles(9,265km)
Armament: AIM-9G Sidewinder AAM, Mk.46 torpedo, Stingray torpedo, 1'000lb bombs, Harpoon AShM, mines and depth charges