My biggest concern over the whole Nimrod cut is the loss of long-range SAR cover, something no defence chief or politician so far seems to have mentioned.

Agreed! Perhaps the MoD could invest in a few CASA CN235 MPA as used by the Irish Air Corps. Or perhaps they could share them? One side painted in Eire colours and British colours on the other side :O)

I’m sure they can add some drop-tanks to increase their range. Picture here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Irish_Air_Corps,_City_of_Derry_Air_Show,_May_1996_(03).jpg

Then again, did not the RAF employ the Avro Lancaster as a MR aircraft? Perhaps the BBMF could offer up PA474?

In the late 60s and up to the mid-to-late 70s when this country last seemed on the brink of oblivion, there was talk of a military coup in this country.

Someone once suggested to me that the army units in London have a restricted amount of ammunition to prevent or make it impossible to stage a coup.

Personally I’d welcome a coup. I’m sure we can show the world how it should be done.

Even in post war years the RAF had over 400 maritime aircraft and now we have none. In a few years time we might have just five front-line squadrons of aircraft and that’s it.

When they stop making the Eurofighter and the Hawk that will be it – no more aircraft building in the UK and whose fault will that be? Both the MoD and BAE Systems, who firstly stopped making civilian aircraft. Then they sold our share in Airbus, though thankfully we still make the wings for various aircraft.

Finally, can I praise the Moderators for keeping this thread open. We have been off topic some time ago but we need to get this off our collective chests. We all feel ruddy peeved off by what has happened. We appreciate our heritage and only have pride in our once first-class aeronautical industry. We have a right to be upset and angry.

Disgusting……………

so how many are fliers??? Two??

Ok £200,000,000 to scrap 9 Nimrods………… ok take the two fliers, fly one to Cosford and one to Duxford for the museums, grand saving on the scrapping costs of £44,444,444 plus change, even allowing for fuel and prepping them, thats a lot cheaper!!!!!!!

I know there is a lot more to it in that price, just thinking out loud.

They are politically too hot for RAFM and IWM to handle, and they are also too big.

I hope the attached will prove useful. Someone please remind me who created it – I think it was secured from the old RAF Marham website a few years ago…

Err, Phillip it’s the elected politicians who make the final decisions.

[something witty here]

It has been suggested to me in the past that the condition of an aircraft was exaggerated, which justified its scrapping.

I think the common consensus is that the change in management at the RAF Museum will be a deciding factor on this matter, not to mention the kind-hearted nature of those who are in the driving seat.

Let’s hope that the funds can be found to move her to a place of safety before the end of the financial year – perhaps to RAF Shawbury to be stored long-term, until space can be found at Cosford. If she is to be moved then she will be cut into pieces first. My understanding is that no one is allowed inside or underneath her.