Future Plans for Nimrod XV232 Under Active Review

The Nimrod Preservation Group XV232 CIC, in partnership with the RAF Manston History Museum, is currently evaluating all viable options for the future of historic aircraft Nimrod XV232, one of the last surviving examples of its kind.

Following recent assessments and discussions with relevant stakeholders, three potential pathways are now being formally investigated:

1. Relocation by Land Transport
   The aircraft may be dismantled and transported by road from Coventry Airport to the RAF Manston History Museum, where it would undergo restoration and be preserved for public display.
   
2. A One-Off Ferry Flight
   A one-time flight from Coventry Airport to Manston International Airport is being explored. This option would require extensive safety, engineering, and regulatory approvals to determine whether a ferry flight is technically and legally feasible.
   
3. Scrapping
   If neither relocation nor a ferry flight is deemed achievable within safety, financial, or regulatory constraints, the final option under consideration is the controlled scrapping of XV232. This would ensure that any reusable components or artefacts are preserved for heritage purposes.
   

At this stage, no final decision has been made. Each option is being carefully evaluated with input from aviation engineers, regulatory bodies, heritage organisations, and the wider aviation community. The preservation of XV232 remains the preferred outcome, and every effort is being made to secure a solution that protects the aircraft’s legacy for future generations.

With the announcement Coventry airport is due to close in June 2026 our focus will be on the Ferry flight option initially.

We will continue to keep supporters, partners, and the public updated as the situation progresses.