Behind the Scenes: Draining 15-Year-Old Fuel from XV232

One of the less glamorous but most important jobs now underway is safely removing the remaining fuel from XV232.
It sounds straightforward—but on an aircraft as large and complex as a Nimrod, it is anything but.
Our volunteers are carefully working through each tank in sequence, starting with the outer tanks before progressing inwards. Special tools are being fabricated just to reach the drain points, while transfer pumps, IBC storage tanks and purpose-built equipment are all needed to complete the task safely.
Removing the fuel is a major milestone.
It allows us to continue dismantling the aircraft safely while reducing weight for transport to RAF Manston History Museum.
It’s another example of the hundreds of engineering tasks that happen long before an aircraft ever begins its journey.
Every bolt removed, every system made safe and every hour donated by our volunteers brings XV232 one step closer to her new home.
Thank you to everyone supporting the project.
Every donation helps fund the specialist equipment, consumables and transport costs needed to preserve this remarkable aircraft for future generations.
Please help if you can.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/donation-form/save-nimrod-xv232-help-us-secure-her-future-2

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