Over-optimistic deadlines, numerous technical challenges and spiraling costs conspired to make the Nimrod MRA4 one of the British Ministry of Defence's (MoD) most infamous procurement failures, as David Willis details. In November 1992, the MoD began the initial data-gathering phase for a replacement for the RAF's British Aerospace Nimrod MR2, one of the most successful anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft ever built. Operational performance, cost and the ability to meet a tight delivery schedule were viewed as the most important criteria for the program. The new sub-hunter was also expected to undertake overland missions and have an operational life of at least 25 years.
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