Overview Hawker Siddeley Nimrod

pair of nimrod r1s flying in formation, august 2004

at start of patrol mission 4 engines running, but, aircraft s weight reduced consumption of onboard fuel, 2 engines intentionally shut down, allowing remaining engines operated in more efficient manner. instead of relying on ram air restart inactive engine, compressor air crossfed live engine starter turbine; crossfeed duct later discovered potential fire hazard. similarly, 2 hydraulic systems on board designed powered 2 inner engines running. electrical generation designed far exceed consumption of existing equipment accommodate additional systems installed on nimrod s operational service.

the standard nimrod fleet carried out 3 basic operational roles during raf service: anti-submarine warfare duties typically involved surveillance on allocated area of north atlantic detect presence of soviet submarines in area , track movements. in event of war, reconnaissance information gathered during these patrols shared other allied aircraft enable coordinated strikes @ both submarines , surface targets. search , rescue (sar) missions important duty of raf s nimrod fleet, operating under air rescue coordination centre @ raf kinloss, , common sight in both military , civil maritime incidents. throughout nimrod s operational life, minimum of 1 aircraft being held in state of readiness respond sar demands @ times.