THE ROYAL AIR FORCE is considering at least three options to eventually replace its still highly classified British Aerospace Nimrod R electronic-intelligence-gathering aircraft.
Airframe refurbishment, a modified business jet and an unmanned-air-vehicle solution are all viewed as potential candidates to replace the three Nimrod Rs, which are expected to remain in service for up to another ten years. With BAe carrying out a major refurbishment on 21 of the RAF's Nimrod MR2 fleet, the option of eventually pushing the three Nimrod Rs through this project remains open.
Another option, admit senior RAF officers, would be eventually to replace the aircraft with the same airframe as emerges as the winner of the joint Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR) programme. The Bombardier Global Express and the Gulfstream GV are the preferred solutions for the RAF/British Army ASTOR requirement.
Source: Flight International