The ATP was designed at Woodford as the first update of the Nimrod came to a close. Therefore there were hundreds of avionic engineers needing something to do. This goes some way to explaining a Smiths EFIS system (Designers do like to invent and re-invent, rather than use Honeywells options), the number of relays in the aircraft and wiring looms made on “peg boards” which when installed to the aircraft were generally an inch or two too short due to the variability of the fuselage manufacture at Chadderton…hence electricians were struggling to get looms to fit and connect. Similar levels of the new world design mating with old world aircraft manufacture later found their way to Nimrod 4…ie old comet made at Chester using 1950’s technology, mated to wings designed by clever young things, with tolerances to a 10th of a thou, and they didn’t quite mate properly.
As for Woodfords long term future….it wasn’t in the RJX. The RJX was simply a development of the RJ put in place to keep the value of the Bae owned 146 and RJ portfolio as high as possible. When the attacks on 9/11 took place Bae quickly realised that the value of the aircraft had plummeted so far that the RJX effect to keep the values raised had vanished. Hence in Nov 2001 the programmed was cancelled. Other forums have discussed the RJX issues regarding fuel burn, noise etc. It can be easily summed what effect the RJX would actually have had.
Prior to September 2001 RJX programme life was anticipated to continue for another 5 years or so. BAE’s grand plan was to then introduce the FSTA programme to Woodford (BAE had pinned its flag to buying ex BA 767’s and converting these) as the skills within the perimeter fence would neatly switch to this type of programme. FSTA disappearing was quite a shock to BAE.
Nimrod MR4A employed many, but not to the same levels as previously. Sadly, as with Hatfield, the demise of Woodford sees the end of the UK’s ability to design and build whole aircraft. Yes we can debate the relative merits of the aircraft and their strengths and weaknesses, but don’t anything away from those who were involved. It was a massive achievement that will never be repeated in the UK, sadly.