NIMROD MR2 - THE MIGHTY HUNTER

NIMROD MR2 - THE MIGHTY HUNTER 

Michael Rondot's powerful portrayal of a Nimrod MR2 in action is a tribute to the iconic Cold War aircraft and the air and ground-crews who served with Nimrod squadrons during 41 years of service with the Royal Air Force.

Developed from the de Havilland Comet 4 airliner to replace the RAF's ageing fleet of AVRO Shackletons, the Nimrod MR1, MR2  and R1 were primarily used on Anti-Submarine and Electronic Intelligenge Operations, with secondary roles of Anti-Surface, Maritime Surveillance and Search and Rescue. Nimrods usually hunted alone, always far from home, and in all weathers, night and day. There has rarely been a more fitting and descriptive name for an aircraft.

It was heavilly involved in the Falklands War in 1982, and saw action in every theatre of operations since that conflict, including the Gulf War, Balkans conflict, Iraq War and Afghanistan. In May 1982 Nimrod MR2 XV232 carried out the longest reconnaissance flight in history, covering 8,453 miles (13,609km) in 18h 50min while monitoring the South Atlantic for Argentinian naval activity, a record which still stands.

Nimrod R1s were operated in great secrecy by 51 Squadron from their base at RAF Wyton during the Cold War, conducting electronic intelligence missions in many distant areas of interest. The aircraft were modified to carry a large crew of up to 27 operators and were heavily loaded with equipment. The artist remembers an encounter: "I have vivid memories of waiting in a PR9 to take off at night from RAF Wyton behind a fully laden 51 Squadron Nimrod R1, watching in awe as it thundered up to full power. The whole rear end fuselage and empennage was shaking so violently that I wondered how it could stay together under the terrible strain. It was a fearsome sight and a good thing that the crew inside the Nimrod could not see it".

I have always had a profound respect for the Nimrod and the crews who flew it. They operated in rugged conditions at low altitude, often in the most appalling weather and at night, many hundreds of miles out over wild oceans and seas at the limit of their endurance. It was a physically demanding role for both the aircraft and its crews.

Nimrod R1s were the last of the type in service, flying the final Nimrod sortie in 2011, a year after the retirement of the MR2 fleet in 2010.

The edition is limited to 250 artist-signed and numbered copies, with artist's proofs and remarque prints within the edition, and 25 canvas prints.

For something really special, a remarque pencil drawing of a Nimrod and any squadron badges can be added to your print.  Please enter any special requests when ordering or call us on +44 (0)7704 845288 to discuss your individual print order.

Prices

Signed and numbered: £95.00

Artist's Proof: £150.00 copies can have a squadron badge drawing of your choice added to the print border

Remarque: £235.00 copies have an original drawing added to the print border

Double remarque: £300.00 copies have two detailed drawings with squadron badges added to the print border

Canvas print: £300.00 

Canvas prints are individually produced under the direct supervision of the artist to replicate the look and feel of the original oil painting.  Each of these carefully crafted giclées is signed and numbered and treated with UV protective varnish. The standard image size is 30x17 inches but can be larger on request.

Post & Shipping: Our prints are delivered in heavy-duty tubes ready for mounting and framing at your local frame shop. We guarantee safe delivery worldwide.

Remarque Examples: