Nimrod MR2 Aircraft Anti Submarine ~ forcesmilitary

Nimrod MR2 Aircraft

The Nimrod MR1 Aircraft entered service in 1969, but was upgraded to Nimrod MR2 Aircraft standard in the early 1980s. While the flight deck and general systems remained the same, the Mission System was given a significant upgrade. The Nimrod is the only jet-powered maritime patrol aircraft in military service and offers the advantages of speed and height in transit, while still capable of operating for long on-task periods. It also offers a stealth element in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) role as most propeller driven aircraft make a discrete resonance that is easily detectable by submerged submarines, whereas the jet noise of the Nimrod is much less detectable.

The Nimrod is used in three main roles: ASW, Anti Surface Unit Warfare (ASUW) and Search and Rescue (SAR). It has an unrefuelled endurance of around 10 hours, which can be extended by the use of air refuelling. The operating crew comprises two pilots and a flight engineer, two weapons systems officers (WSO) (tactical and routine), and a WSO who is the sensor and communications coordinator. He is supported by a team of three ‘wet’ weapons systems operators (WSOps) and four ‘dry’ WSOps. The ‘wet’ team supervise the aircraft’s acoustic processors, which monitor active and passive sonobuoys, whilst the ‘dry’ team manage a wide range of avionics and weapon systems which are essential to delivering Nimrod’s full capability.

The Nimrod’s offensive weapons include Sting Ray torpedos for use in the ASW role and Harpoon missiles for the ASUW role. For SAR purposes the aircraft has a selection of air deliverable, multi-seat dinghies and survival packs. For self-defence, the aircraft can be armed with four AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles carried under the wings. The aircraft can carry in excess of 200 sonobuoys internally, of several different types, both active and passive, which are delivered via two unpressurised 6-buoy rotary launchers and two pressurised single-shot launchers.

Nimrod MR2 Aircraft Anti Submarine

The majority of the Nimrod’s tasking comes from the Maritime Headquarters at Northwood. Peacetime work includes surface and sub-surface surveillance and the maintenance of a one-hour SAR standby in support of the Air Rescue Coordination Centre, collocated at RAF Kinloss. SAR tasks include long-range searches, assistance to SAR helicopters and coordination of search activities as an on-scene communication platform at major incidents. The aircraft routinely operates over the sea down to 200 feet, but is limited to 300 feet at night or in bad weather.

Nimrod aircraft are operated by Nos 120, 201 and 206 Squadrons, which are all based at RAF Kinloss, in Morayshire; RAF Kinloss is also the home of the Nimrod Operational Conversion Unit, No 42(R) Squadron. The Nimrod MR2 will continue in service until it is replaced by the MRA4, which is expected to enter service from 2007. Nimrod MR2 Aircraft is Only jet-powered maritime patrol aircraft in military service. Roles are anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare and search and rescue. Endurance of 10 hours, which can be extended by air refuelling. Crew of 13, which include ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ sensor coordination teams. Can carry Sting Ray torpedos, Harpoon antiship missiles, bombs and depth charges.