Following on from their recent acquisitions of ex-RAF types, the Dominie, a Hercules and a Harrier, the latest arrivalat RAF Cosford in March 2012 is another ex-RAF airframe – Nimrod R1 XV249.  Steve Smith reports for AeroResource…

Things at Cosford are looking brighter with the arrival of several new airframes in the last 12 months.  Sadly, many of these arrivals are due to types being withdrawn from service and the latest addition, Nimrod R1 XV249, is no different.

This particular airframe was converted from an MR2 variant and made her last flight on 29 July 2011, the short hop from her home with 51 Squadron at RAF Waddington,  into Kemble – where she was broken down into her constituent parts.

Two trailer loads were delivered up to Cosford via the M5 and through the streets of Shifnal, the first with the fuselage and the second containing the two wings.

The airframe is now parked up on the RAF side of the airfield at Cosford awaiting re-construction, before going on permanent display.

Thanks must go to RAF Museum Cosford ,Dave Bickley and Michael Buckle for providing the images.  Full details of the museum and it’s exhibits are available through their website – Click Here, or go to http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/. RAFM Cosford is recommended as one of the UKs premier aviation museums, which combined with the no entry fee policy make the museum an excellent day out.