RIVET JOINT VERSUS NIMROD R1

摘要

The purchase of the RC-135W has advantages in that it is a better COMINT platform and the RAF is now closely linked to the USAF's larger Rivet Joint fleet with a robust forward plan for upgrades. However, compared to the Nimrod R1 it has a few relative weaknesses, and there are some significant differences between the two types. The airframes procured for RC-135W conversion are significantly older than 51 Squadron's outgoing Nimrod R1s, and there have been some question marks as to how well they comply with post Haddon-Cave RAF airworthiness requirements (NB:The 2009 Haddon-Cave report into the 2006 Nimrod crash in Afghanistan criticized both the MoD and individual senior officers and recommended more stringent reauirements).