Corgi AA35604 Bae Systems Nimrod MR MK2, 42 Sqn Camouflage trials 1998

The Hawker Siddeley Nimrod is a maritime patrol aircraft developed in the United Kingdom. It is an extensive modification of the de Havilland Comet, the world’s first jet airliner. A major modification was the fit of a large weapon bay under the fuselage from which it can drop torpedoes, mines, bombs and other stores. Sonobuoys for tracking submarines are dropped from special launchers in the rear of the fuselage. The Nimrod is also capable of carrying American-made Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for self-defence. The Nimrod has been the Royal Air Force’s primary Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) since the early 1970s. The RAF uses two Nimrod variants: the MR.2 in the Maritime and Reconnaissance role; the R1 in a reconnaissance and electronic intelligence gathering capacity. The MR.2 is due to be replaced by the upgraded MRA.4 in the near future, but meanwhile the current fleet of MR.2s are being repainted in the RAF’s latest overall light grey colour as depicted by the model.