Featuring what appears to be some Gulf War 2 artwork

Based RAF Luqa. Display during the inauguration of the lengthened runway 14/32.

Still in primer after conversion to R.1

Sadly, there was no public farewell in the flying display at this year's Waddington Airshow, but instead the final two operational aircraft were confined to static display, marking the passing of the Nimrod R1 from RAF service. Truly the end of an era.

This aircraft was converted from an MR2 to R1 following the crash of another R1, XW666. It is seen being towed to the static park for the 2005 Waddington airshow.

This Nimrod has the unique distinction of having existed in all three versions of the aircraft. Built as a MR1 in 1970 it was withdrawn from service at the end of 1983 and converted to MR2 standard, returning to operations in 1985. In 1992 it was placed in storage at Kinloss along with two other MR2's and this could well have been the end of its flying career. However on 16th May 1995 one of 51 Sqn's three R1 (XW666) ditched in the Moray firth and was written off (without injury to the crew). As a result XV249 was brought out of storage and converted to R1 standard as a replacement.

One of the newest exhibits to join the wonderful RAF Museum at Cosford. Note the 51 Sqn red goose aft of the flightdeck and the RAF Wyton crest on the tail (the port side has the equivalent crest from RAF Waddington). Alas, a museum attendant wouldn't let me move the cones.

Seen at Edinburgh these Aircraft took part in a yearly exercise with various other countries.

Based on the Comet airliner, the Nimrod was mainly a maritime patrol type but a few aircraft were equipped for electronic eavesdropping work. The two remaining Nimrod R1s were the last Nimrods to retire in 2011.

Nimrod MR.1 of 203 Squadron based at RAF Luqa, Malta. Displayed at the Queens Silver Jubilee air show at RAF Finningley.