Nimrod MRA4
Replacement Maritime Patrol Aircraft (RMPA)
The RAF needs a replacement for the Nimrod MR Mk 2 aircraft, its ground support systems and synthetic training equipment. Wartime roles comprise Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) and Search and Rescue (SAR). The Requirement was endorsed and an initial data gathering phase authorised in November 1992. Procurement responsibility was then passed to the Procurement Executive (now DPA). A Request for Information (RFI) was issued to 17 potential prime contractors who had registered an interest. Analysis of the responses allowed a competitive procurement strategy to be pursued with a high probability of success. A competitive tendering phase was initiated in January 1995. Four companies submitted proposals.
British Aerospace was selected as the prime contractor in July 1996 to supply a complete package of 21 mission-equipped Nimrod 2000 aircraft, together with a training system and initial logistic support. A fixed-price contract was awarded in December 1996, under which existing MR Mk 2 aircraft fuselage and empennage structure would be re-lifed and reassembled, with redesigned wings and current technology BR710 turbofan engines. Although some of the systems are retained, the majority of the air vehicle systems are replaced, including the flight deck, which will accommodate a reduced cockpit crew complement of two, facilitated by automated flight systems using modified Airbus A340 technology. The mission system, which is the heart of the weapon system, is entirely new. The cabin interior is totally refitted to suit the new mission systems layout. Again, the mission crew numbers have reduced from ten to eight.
This is therefore a new aircraft, not a refurbished one. In early 1998 the aircraft was renamed from Nimrod 2000 to Nimrod Maritime Reconnaissance and Attack Mk4 - Nimrod MRA4. Technical and resourcing difficulties encountered during 1998 led to a re-baselining of the program which delayed the introduction of the first aircraft into service. The delay enabled certain enhancements in capability to be included.
Under the Smart Procurement Initiative, the Nimrod MRA4 was identified as one of the pilot Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) in November 1998, led by Air Commodore Barry Thornton. Although the project was established around an integrated team concept from the outset, both at Abbey Wood and in industry, the latest initiative enabled the Nimrod Integrated Project Team to re-focus and embrace other personnel who work full time on Nimrod MRA4 from other areas which were previously outside the IPT.
The Nimrod MRA4 contract was let with BAE SYSTEMS in December 1996 with an In-Service Date (ISD) of April 2003. Following technical and resource problems, BAE SYSTEMS advised the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) in late 1998 that they could not meet this date. In May 1999, following extensive negotiations the contract was re-baselined with an ISD of March 2005, a delay of 23 months and with the MoD securing various benefits in compensation. The DPA worked very closely with BAE SYSTEMS to ensure that all possible measures are taken to support delivery of the full operational capability in the required timescales, consistent with a March 2005 ISD. Nimrod MRA4 is due to enter operational service in August 2004. The In Service Date (ISD) of March 2005 marks the delivery of the 7th aircraft, with the 21st and final aircraft due for delivery in December 2008.
