Huge Nimrod wings delivered to RAF Cosford

Huge wings were delivered to RAF Cosford as part of an operation to install a full-sized Nimrod aircraft at the museum.

The body of the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R.1 XV249 fuselage aircraft arrived at the museum under police escort a week ago

On Saturday shoppers looked on as the gigantic wings made their way along the streets, while having to negotiate a number of tight bends, to the museum.

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And with the wings, which have a span of 35 metres, now safely delivered the Nimrod will be put together and remain at the museum to be viewed by the public.

The Nimrod was one of 46 aircraft used by the RAF for maritime reconnaissance and signals intelligence work. It was in service for nearly 40 years.

Its final flight took place last year when it flew from RAF Waddington in Lincoln to Kemble before its final journey to Shropshire.

RAF Museum curator Al McLean said: "It was amazing to see such a large aircraft transported by road to Cosford and we are pleased to be receiving a Nimrod aircraft into the RAF Museum collection.

"The aircraft has flown over 11,000 hours during its service with the RAF and we anticipate it being very popular with our visitors."

The aircraft was also used for maritime patrol in Cyprus and the North Atlantic.