Woodford and Chadderton Closure

2000s 2010s

The Nimrod MRA4 contract was for a fleet of 21 aircraft with a scheduled in service date of April 2003. Nimrod MR2 fuselages were delivered by the giant Antonov AN-124 freighter aircraft for conversion.

When conversion of the aircraft commenced a number of issues were revealed with the assembly of the new aircraft which caused further delays and cost over runs. The ongoing issues caused contract renegotiations and fleet reductions. By April 2008 the contractual fleet size was 9 aircraft.

Whilst the project had issues, the workforce continued with the build of the airframes and the first development MRA4 (set PA01), completed its maiden flight on 26th August 2004. The first production aircraft flew on 10th September 2009 and in March 2010, it was delivered to the RAF for acceptance testing.

Late and over-budget the Government cancelled the MRA4 on 19th October 2010, this was controversial as the remaining airframes had all been near completion. All airframes were destroyed.

During the decade whilst the MRA4 programme took priority, other work was carried out. Design work was secured from BAE Samlesbury between 2005 and 2008 for the rear structure of the Lockheed Martin F35 Lightning II. Also the last civil aircraft delivery was surprisingly the prototype 146-100 that was first flown on 23rd March 1981. It had been converted at Woodford to become a flying laboratory for use by the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurement (FAAM).

With all work completed, Woodford was closed as an active airfield on 25th August 2011 ending an historic aviation story lasting 87 years.


The Aerostructures business at Chadderton was impacted by BAE Systems strategic decisions. The 146/RJ production closed due to the withdrawal from the commercial aircraft business. The decision to consolidate all Airbus work to the Chester and Filton sites meant the end of all Chadderton Airbus work.

The outcome of these decisions and the ending of other contracts such as the reducing order book for MRA4 wing sections meant the end of manufacturing in 2005.

The Military support business continued successfully but as the aircraft it supported reached their end of service dates the business reduced in size culminating in closure and the transfer of remaining staff to BAE Systems Samlesbury. Since opening in 1939, Chadderton completed 73 incredibly industrious years, finally closing on 2nd March 2012.

(Colour Photograph showing) - One final visitor used the closed Woodford runway on 18th May 2012. The visitor was a de Havilland Hornet Moth which was the very first aircraft to land at Ringway some 75 years earlier.