Nimrod project progress at Kinloss
NIMROD PRESERVED FOR PLANNED MORAY AEROSPACE CENTRE
Morayvia, which formed in May 2011, successfully purchased HS Nimrod MR.2 XV244, the 8th Nimrod delivered to the RAF at Kinloss, in mid- February 2012. Morayvia is taking forward work originally started by the Nimrod Heritage Group to preserve a Nimrod in Moray. Following submission of its Concept Paper on 31st May 2011, which detailed ambitious plans for an Aerospace Centre at Kinloss, Morayvia has worked to promote the project as a major tourist attraction that would help to diversify Moray’s economy. Morayvia is working with personnel of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), RAF Kinloss and 39 Engineer Regiment on storage of the Nimrod whilst the aerospace centre project is developed. XV244 is the last remaining Nimrod MR.2 at Kinloss. It is presently stored in a hangar, however, the cost of keeping it stored inside is currently unaffordable and it will be moved to a hard standing soon, close to the proposed Aerospace Centre site at Kinloss. Whilst in storage it will be looked after by a team of volunteers, most of whom are former engineers, to ensure it is kept in the best condition possible. During the 1980’s XV244 was based at RAF St Mawgan, in Cornwall, and took part in many notable operations. XV244 made its last flight on 31st Jul 2009 having flown just over 18,000hours and was undergoing servicing when it was announced that the Nimrod MR.2 fleet would be withdrawn from service in March 2010, a year earlier than the originally planned date.In addition to the complete XV244, Morayvia has also managed to acquire the cockpit and forward fuselage section of Nimrod MR.2 XV240. This Nimrod had been, until recently, stationed as the gate guardian at RAF Kinloss since 2009. The cockpit and fuselage will become an exhibit in the Morayvia Aerospace Centre. XV240 was first delivered to RAF Kinloss as a MR.1 in July 1970 and converted to MR.2 status in 1983. A variety of membership options can be seen on the Morayvia web site.
For more information on Morayvia and its ambitious future plans please refer to the Morayvia website MORAYVIA | Registered Charity SC042895. A tourism project to help diversify Moray's economy