Article Posted on : - Sep 17, 2010

Nimrod MRA4 on a routine test flight. BAE Systems photo

WARTON, UK (BNS): Britain’s newest guardian of the skies - Nimrod MRA4 PA04 - took to the air this month in a salute to those who served in the Battle of Britain.

BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 Chief test Pilot Bill Ovel piloted the aircraft flying the length of UK visiting air shows - as well as performing a flight trial at a key test range.

Nimrod MRA4 PA04 is the first production aircraft to be accepted by the RAF. The new MRA4 can use its radar to scan an area the size of the UK in 10 seconds, detect submerged submarines and conduct long range Search and Rescue missions, according to BAE Systems.

“The operational capabilities of the MRA4 are incredibly impressive and even though I’ve been test flying the aircraft for several years, I still get a terrific buzz from the experience," Bill Ovel said.

"Given that this month marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain ... it was a great privilege for us to be able to salute the memory of those who gave their lives for others and those who defended our shores with such tenacity and bravery,” he said.