LONDON, UK: The first production Nimrod aircraft PA04 is undergoing final testing in preparation for its maiden flight.
The aircraft is currently engaged in an intensive and detailed programme that tests the aircraft controls and systems and includes engine ground runs and taxi trials.
Steve Timms, Managing Director of the Nimrod MRA4 programme said: “Over the last couple of years, through the hard work and dedication of all those involved, we’ve really started to build confidence in our ability to deliver this aircraft. The maiden flight of the first production aircraft will demonstrate that the Nimrod MRA4 is on track.”
PA04 is the first of nine production standard aircraft that is to be built, and one of four aircraft that will be delivered to the aircraft’s future main operating base at RAF Kinloss before the aircraft is formally declared in service at the end of next year.
Following the first flight PA04 will be painted in RAF livery and undergo a number of production test flights to prove that all the aircraft systems are working as they should.
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