I think its very unlikely that the MRA4 will now be axed and much to The Gorilla's eternal shame it will fly in Sqn service.. The MoD has talked about a "reduced threat" from submarines - true (but still a threat), but the old bus has lots of very useful roles in this net centric warfare game the MoD has been wittering on about. No chance of getting 16 IMHO.
According to BAE's press release, PA1 is a test and development aircraft not a product model.
-- Under a contract awarded in December 1996, and amended in 2002, BAE Systems was contracted to build an 18-strong fleet of Nimrod MRA4 aircraft, the Royal Air Force’s new Maritime, Reconnaissance and Attack aircraft. The contract was subject to further renegotiation in 2003, separating out the design and development phase (3 aircraft) from an option for production (15 aircraft). More recently, on 21 July 2004, the Secretary of State for Defence talked about the nation's maritime reconnaissance requirement being met in future by a fleet of 'around 12' Nimrod MRA4 aircraft..
Last edited by Navaleye; 1st Sep 2004 at 11:39.