BAE Nimrod MRA4

The maritime patrol aircraft built to replace aging fleets but canceled before service.

Nimrod MRA4. © Ronnie Macdonald

Overview

BAE Systems United Kingdom ICAO: NIM 2004–2010 $380 million

The BAE Nimrod MRA4 was a modernization of the Royal Air Force’s Nimrod patrol aircraft. Launched in the 1990s, it aimed to provide updated surveillance capability. The program was ultimately canceled before operational service.

Live Fleet Activity (NIM)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofans
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 15,500 lbf · 69 kN
Avionics
Electronic Support Measures Elta, Doppler Search Radar Thales Defence.
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
10
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
126 ft 9 in  ·  38.63 m
Tail height
31 ft 0 in  ·  9.45 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
127 ft 11 in  ·  39.00 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
232,500 lb  ·  105,500 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
12,000 lb  ·  5,450 kg
Fuel capacity
Max cruise speed
316 kt  ·  364 mph  ·  585 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
6,004 nm  ·  6,910 mi  ·  11,120 km
Fuel burn
1.27 nm/gal  ·  0.62 km/L
Ceiling
36,000 ft  ·  11,000 m
Rate of climb
—
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Nimrod MRA4.

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Operational Context

BAE Nimrod MRA4 — proposed maritime patrol aircraft

The MRA4 program sought to upgrade the Nimrod airframe with new wings and avionics. Development challenges and cost overruns delayed the project. Although test aircraft flew, full operational service was not achieved.

Four turbofan engines producing approximately 13,000 pounds of thrust (58 kN) each would have powered the aircraft. Cruise speed was projected near Mach 0.80. Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 200,000 pounds (90,718 kg).

The cancellation of the MRA4 left a temporary gap in UK maritime patrol capability. The program illustrates the risks of complex modernization efforts. No production aircraft entered service.