Nimrod 'The Mighty Hunter'

He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; therefore it is said, "Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord." Genesis 10:9

The last two Comet 4C airframes to leave the production line, fitted with Avon engines, were available and offered an early opportunity to commence prototype flying. The airframes were expediently converted and the first aerodynamic prototype, XV 148, flew on 23 May 1967, 23 months from ITP. Spey engines were installed and the electrical generation, fuel and hydrualic systems were all made representative of the final design. By April 1968, XV 148 had averaged 25 flying hours per month as the handling and performance aircraft.

The second prototype, XV 147, was externally configured to Nimrod standard, although the original Avon engines were retained for reasons of economy and time. Underslung pods were fitted to the engine nacelles to permit adaptation of the generators to ensure the quality of the electrical power. This aircraft was to be used for the development of the tactical systems; it first flew on 31 July 1967, 25 months from ITP. The first production aircraft XV 226 first flew on 28 June 1968, 36 months after ITP. XV 226, initially used for development work, accumulated some 479 flying hours before entering operational service on 15 January 1973.