Project Update – Options for Nimrod XV232:
We’re currently reviewing three possible options for the future of our historic aircraft:
1️⃣ Road transport to RAF Manston History Museum
2️⃣ A one-off ferry flight to Manston International Airport
3️⃣ Scrapping, if no other option proves viable
No decisions have been made. Our goal remains to preserve XV232 wherever possible, and we’re working with engineers, regulators, and partners to explore every feasible route. We’ll share more updates as soon as we can.
Project Update – May 2026: Since this article was originally published, further engineering reviews and project assessments have been completed regarding the previously proposed ferry flight option for Nimrod XV232. Following detailed evaluation, a one-off ferry flight was determined to be unfeasible and is no longer being pursued. Project efforts are now fully focused on the controlled relocation of XV232 by land, including preparation, disassembly, transportation and long-term preservation in partnership with the RAF Manston History Museum. This approach provides the safest and most practical route to securing the future of XV232 for generations to come.
I saw the news article of the last engine run in Jan 2026 in Google news today. Iv donated and shared the link to my Facebook account, but I’m disappointed ( and pleased!!) the engine run is sold out. Will this event on the 17th January be video recorded and published on the website?
Good evening, sorry for the late reply, just catching up with things. The event on 17th Jan was recorded and published on our FaceBook page and on yOUtUBE.
Hello,
I hope you’re well, I’m reaching out from Tatenhill Aviation.
We’ve been following your recent update regarding Nimrod XV232, and we wanted to reach out to formally express interest in offering Tatenhill Airfield as a potential long-term home, should your current options prove unviable.
We fully appreciate the complexity of relocating and preserving an aircraft of this scale, both technically and regulatorily. However, we believe Tatenhill could present a credible and supportive environment for XV232’s future.
Tatenhill is an established, licensed airfield with:
• Sufficient space to accommodate a large historic airframe
• An engaged and knowledgeable aviation community
• On-site engineering and operational expertise
• Experience working within CAA regulatory frameworks
• A growing visitor and educational audience
Importantly, we already host Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B (XX900) on site. Its presence has generated significant interest and demonstrates our commitment to preserving and showcasing important British military aircraft in a respectful and sustainable way. We would welcome the opportunity to explore how XV232 could sit alongside this heritage presence and contribute to a broader educational and historical offering.
We understand you are currently reviewing options including relocation to RAF Manston History Museum and potential movement to Manston International Airport. Should those options not progress, we would very much like to put Tatenhill forward as a serious alternative and begin discussions around feasibility.
If helpful, we would be pleased to arrange an initial call or host you at Tatenhill to explore requirements, constraints, and your long-term vision for XV232. Our objective is straightforward: if there is a viable route to preserving XV232 with dignity and purpose, we would like to understand how we can support that outcome.
Kind regards,
Ben Henham
Tatenhill Airfield
Will the midland air museum have Nimrod ,or park close by ?
We have spoken to Barry at the Midlands Air Museum and in reality XV232 is too large for the space they have remaining.
Good morning, I emailed to the airframe address last week, just wanted to check to see if was received.
Kindest regards.
Sorry for the question, but IS she flyable?
Just in case it hasnt been thought of before .
Would another option be to include it in the Coventry Air Museum ??
At least that would preserve the airframe and keep such an iconic aircraft in one piece for all to enjoy