Select Commitee on Defence - Procurement Approach
The original contract for the supply of aircraft, training systems and an interim support package was the result of competitive tendering. As a result of the recent re-structuring however, the development and production of the first three Nimrod MRA4s
as development aircraft will continue, with first flight planned for 2004. We have agreed with the Company that there should be a controlled and economic cessation of series production until design has reached a level of demonstrated maturity during trials on the first three aircraft. If the potential for the Nimrod MRA4 as an "adaptable aircraft" can be realised and is cost effective, we will ensure that the necessary provisions for adaptability are included in the first batch of production aircraft. At the appropriate time, we will consider whether to launch the production of the remaining Nimrod aircraft to a new adaptable standard or the existing MRA4 standard.
We will also consider at the appropriate time whether it would be economic to convert the remaining development aircraft to a production standard.