I think the RAF and MoD has got itself into a hole over Nimrod. There are clear airworthiness issues of concern over MR2. There are concerns that MRA4 does not have combat survivability at its core design. Adding on survivability and protective devices to MRA4 now will delay ISD and prolong aircrew exposure to MR2 an aircraft with seemingly insoluble leaks. Ground MR2 and the troops on the ground are blind.
Oh dear, how did we ever get to this situation?
It is not acceptable, in my view at least, to continue to fly MR2 until 2012 without additional protection. There is an awful lot riding on the BoI report.