This video, complete with cockpit audio, shows the team running the engines and other systems on a Thunder Day. Many visitors watching on Thunder Days wonder what is happening before the engines start, so this video shows exactly what the procedures are, just as they were preformed in service.
Nimrod volunteer team member Mick Whitaker explains, “The engine runs are called ‘anti-det’ runs. It stands for Anti Deterioration and as the name suggests, consists of a series of measures we run through to prevent long term decline. All the people on the flight deck are fully qualified to operate the Nimrod, as a small mistake in the procedures could cause huge problems.”
The engine controls are all analogue, with no computer controls they have to be handled in a certain way to prevent damage. The team looking after XV250 are all experienced military personnel. While some are now retired, others are still working in the Royal Air Force. As well as their day jobs working on the nation’s current aircraft, they give up their spare time to travel to the Museum and tend to XV250.