Not Long Here
The wish at EGQK at the time was for the GEC solution even given our affection for the MR2 airframe.
Disagree with you fella. Nobody wanted a refurbished MR2 but when the BAe team rolled out the MRA4 model at Fincastle 95, I think it was sufficiently impressive to change opinions. Effectively a brand new Nimrod with fantastic (relatively) range and endurance and bags of potential as a weapons carrier. Great internal layout and the best sensors available, including a neat EO design. Certainly from where I stood, this was by far and away the best option and preferred choice amongst fellow operators. 21ac for 2Bn was also a very good deal.
Had it been achieved, I have no doubt that it would have been streets ahead of any other option including the P8 - just as the MR2 was way ahead of any other opposition, although I accept that the costs of operating a Rolls Royce are far more than a Ford Fiesta. Sadly, we will never know now will we?