NIMROD Comes to Town for Five-year Test
14 Aug 2007 | Ref. 252/2007
Brough, UK – It’s not everyday that a Nimrod MRA4 aircraft comes up your street. But when it does, it is the sort of thing that demands a double-take from even the most level-headed of pedestrians.
BAE Systems brought a Nimrod to Brough 18 months ago to ensure that one of the world’s most advanced reconnaissance aircraft could benefit fully from one of the world’s most advanced structural testing centres.
Bollards were moved, streets cordoned off, and crowds waved as the aircraft known as the ‘Mighty Hunter’ was low-loaded in sections into the BAE Systems Brough facility for months of demanding testing which will help certify its strength and durability.
It has taken over a year to build the supporting structure used to assess the 40 ton aircraft components under test and, in total, 150 tons of steel structure will be used to do the job. During preparations for the testing the Nimrod had to be suspended 20 feet above ground level while the supporting framework was put in place underneath.
Once complete, the structural testing rig can assess the ability of the airframe to withstand stress with incredible accuracy – at times seeing how the aircraft copes with loadings of up to 165 tons – the equivalent weight of 25 African elephants.
While much still has to be done, the testing itself is expected to start in March 2008 and will run for a full five years.
Nimrod wing fatigue test programme Alan George said: “These tests are among the most advanced to take place in the world. They provide incredibly useful data which will help inform the rest of the programme for many years to come. Brough can be proud to play such a pivotal role in one of the UK’s major large aircraft development programmes.”
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 96,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15 billion (US $27 billion) in 2006*.
*On a pro forma basis, assuming BAE Systems had owned Armor for the whole of 2006"
For further information please contact:
Mike Sweeney, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 383074 Mob: +44 (0) 7801 716452
mike.sweeney2@baesystems.com
Rebecca Brothers, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1482 664067 Fax: +44 (0) 1482 664669
rebecca.brothers@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384710 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
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