Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2, XV226 / 8001, Royal Air Force
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: XV226
Construction Number: 8001
Code Number: 26
Military Unit: 42 Squadron
Model Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2
Operator: Royal Air Force
Airport: RAF Mildenhall (MHZ / EGUN), UK - England
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 23/05/1992
Date Submitted: 27/10/2009
Photographed displaying at Air Fete '92 which was billed that year as 'Remembered Skies', this Nimrod wears 42(TB) Squadron markings. At the time based at RAF St. Mawgan, 42 was to disband as a front-line unit later that year on the 1st October. Today the squadron number lives on as 42 (Reserve) Squadron which is the Nimrod OCU (formerly 236 OCU) based at RAF Kinloss. This particular Nimrod began life as the first production MR1 making her first flight on the 28th June 1968. She spent the first few years engaged in trials work before being delivered to the RAF in 1973. Despite recent negative press coverage of the Nimrod, it remains a very capable and hard working asset, indeed, Nimrod's capabilities are absolutely vital in operations over Afganistan today. Until the delayed MRA4 finally takes over the many roles of this versatile aircraft, the earlier version will soldier on for some time yet.
Picture ID:1200119