|
RAF Kinloss is home to the RAF's Nimrod MR2 aircraft. Introduced into service in the early 1980's (taking over from the MR1 which entered service in 1969) the MR2 is capable of operating in a
variety of roles inlcuding: communications and surveillance support to ground forces; maritime reconnaissance; anti-submarine warfare; and search and rescue. As well as maintaining a permanent deployment in the Middle East since 2001, Nimrods have been invovled in numerous operations both in the UK and abroad over recent years, making it one of the busiest platforms in the RAF's inventory.
Nimrods are operated by No's: 42(Reserve); 120 and 201 Squadron, three of the oldest Squadrons in the Air Force. There are 13 crew on board the aircraft: 2 pilots and a flight engineer operate on the flight deck; and 3 Weapons System Officers and 7 Weapons Systems Operators who operate the sophisticated sensors, communications and computers that comprise the mission system.
|
