HS801 Nimrod R1 (R type 1971 - 1974

Following on from the first batch of Nimrod MRI's came three special Nimrod R1's. These being probably the most secret aircraft in RAF service. Even on returned visits back to Woodford they were always accompanied by armed guards. Their role was basically (Elint) intelligence gathering returning information back to GCHQ.

Left: Due to secrecy of the equipment all three R Types (as they where known at Woodford) were delivered to Wyton for internal equipment fitment. As can be seen from the empty Workstation left.

Lower Left: Shows the original Radar Station equipment similar to the ASV system fitted to Nimrod MRI's and Shackletons.

Below: After decommissioning the aircraft eventually were shown to the public, below the same racks with all their equipment fitted.