Classic Flight sets its sights on a Nimrod

[Henry Tenby]

The Air Atlantique Classic Flight, based at Coventry Airport, can now
confirm that it has made an official bid to take on one of the RAF's
last Nimrod MR2 aircraft.

Subject to final agreement the aircraft is set to make its final flight
on Tuesday May 11 when it is planned to arrive at Coventry Airport in
the hands of the delivery crew.

Although Classic Flight does not intend to keep the aircraft flyable the
team will maintain the aeroplane in fully ground running and taxi-able
condition.

The Nimrod was designed as a replacement for the Avro Shackleton (an
example of which is also displayed alongside the Classic Flight fleet).
Developed from the de Havilland Comet airliner the first Nimrod flew in
May 1967 and the type entered service two years later.

"The Nimrod will make a dramatic addition to our collection of classic
1950s and 60s British aircraft" says Commercial Manager Steve
Bridgewater. "Nimrods served with distinction in the Falklands, Gulf and
Afghanistan conflicts and we intend to maintain our aeroplane as a
tribute to all who flew on, worked in and served alongside the 'Mighty
Hunter.'

"Air Atlantique has long been associated with classic airliners - from
the Douglas DC-3 and DC-6 through to the de Havilland Dragon Rapide that
we still use for pleasure flying. It therefore seems fitting that we
should add a descendent of the de Havilland Comet, which was the world's
first jet airliner, to the Classic Flight's eclectic fleet."

In addition to its service in the Falklands, Gulf and Afghanistan
conflicts the Nimrod also gave sterling service during the 1970s Cod
Wars between Iceland and the UK over fishing rights. The aircraft has
also been used extensively for Search and Rescue duties around the
British coast and, notably, located the survivors of the notorious 1979
Fastnet race.

The aircraft is due to be replaced in RAF service by the remodelled
Nimrod MRA.4 in 2012.

"The Nimrod has an important story to tell and we want to preserve an
example for future generations of enthusiasts, historians and aviators,"
continues Steve Bridgewater.

Classic Flight has been provisionally allocated Nimrod MR2 XV232 --
although this allocation may subsequently change. XV232 was one of the
first Nimrods modified for in-flight refuelling and is a Falklands
veteran. On May 15, 1982 it carried out a 19 hour survey flight from
Ascension Island covering 8,300 miles.

Plans are for the aeroplane to arrive at Coventry mid morning on May 11,
where it will ultimately become an exhibit in the Classic Flight's new
'AIRBASE' working museum.

Members of the public will be admitted to the Classic Flight area to see
the Nimrod arrive.

Times and final details are subject to change and the arrival may be
delayed by weather and technical reasons. Please refer to
www.classicflight.com up to date details.