Only the two prototype Nimrods (XV147 & 148) were ex Comets, all the rest were new build aircraft, and were “Based” on the Comet 4c but with the fuselage shortened both ahead and behind the wings.

Thats why the fin had the forward strake to increase its overall surface area, this counterated the Nimrod’s natural desire to Dutch roll (wing rocking) because of the shortened fuselage.

The probe was angled down by about 10 degrees (might have been a bit less) because the Nimrod,s natural flying angle was about the same up, thus when it was tanking the Probe was relatively level.

hope this helps