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South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum is a Wednesday 9th July 2008 |
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AeroVenture, Dakota Way tel 01302 761616 |
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BAe Nimrod R1 XW666 |
The ditching of Nimrod R1 XW666 must surely be one of the most interesting of recent (near) air disasters. Following an engine fire the aircraft was ditched into the sea by her crew and this prevented mid-air break-up. The crew survived. The loss of XW666 was discussed in parliament. 18/05/02 XW666 Fitting Display
XW666 is now on display at AeroVenture in Doncaster in a fitting seabed scene. Her owner, Phil Jarvis has decided to keep her in the current condition as any further restoration will spoil the unique history of this aircraft. XW666 does have a tenuous link with AeroVenture as it was due to be operated by 51 Squadron at Waddington. In 1938 616 Squadron was formed at Doncaster with a nucleous of officers from 51 Squadron. If you can contribute more to the story of XW666 please contact the webmaster jim @ aeroventure.org.uk Nimrod's operated from Ascension Island and covered the British Shipping. Many were upgraded by fitting ex-Vulcan refueling probes after which refuelled flights of up to 19 hours and 12,000km were recorded. XW666 was one of three Nimrod R.1's built and sister aircraft, XW664 took part in the Falklands War. XW664 took part in Operation Corporate after being fitted with a refuelling probe. We understand that XW664 did not operate from Ascension Island leaving us to assume she operated from Southern Chile (R.1 operations are kept secret). |
| Unless other credit given photographs on this site are copyright Jim Keable 2002-2008 |