Most people recognise there is a balance of risk to achieve. 14 months have passed, time enough to cobble together fire protection in the bomb bay and fuel tank protection in the wing. The missions could continue as before.
Where I disagree with you, is that the balance of risk is skewed so far this aircraft is no longer deserving of the phrase "safe to fly". You state that the new procedures saved the crew. Not quite. As you well know, the new procedures are designed to prevent an over-pressure leading to a fuel leak. I have read the follow-up report. The max pressure reached with the carter pump on was 45psi. Now then, ground testing equipment takes the pressure to 50psi and it was unable to replicate the leak. The crew were saved, because as part of the post XV230 procedure a crew member was stationed to look for leaks in the bomb bay. You miss the point that the leak still occurred. Meaning the RAF are stumped. I have still not heard of a definitive on the cause of ignition for XV230 and I have been looking at some pictures of the Nimrod bomb bay this morning.
Either get the protective systems on board, or cease flying AAR.
Can an ASTOR brain come back to the thread and explain in simple terms why it cannot do the Nimrod job? Obviously, opsec uppermost. I am hearing it is has an awesome capability.
Finally we are part of a coalition, why not ask for help?
Last edited by nigegilb; 10th November 2007 at 09:24.