Editing Hawker Siddeley Nimrod (section)

===Introduction to service===
The Nimrod first entered squadron service with the RAF at [[RAF St Mawgan]] in Cornwall in October 1969. These initial aircraft, designated as Nimrod MR1, were intended as a stop-gap measure, and thus were initially equipped with many of the same sensors and equipment as the Shackletons they were supplementing.<ref name ="jeff 89"/> While some improvements were implemented on the MR1 fleet to enhance their detection capabilities, the improved Nimrod MR2 variant entered service in August 1979 following a lengthy development process.<ref>Jefford et al. 2005, pp. 89–90.</ref> The majority of the Nimrod fleet operated from RAF Kinloss in Scotland.<ref>Jefford et al. 2005, p. 94.</ref>

[[File:Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR1 (801), UK - Air Force AN1029954.jpg|thumb|Nimrod MR1 inflight, 1978]]
Operationally, each active Nimrod would form a single piece of a complex submarine detection and monitoring mission. An emphasis on real-time intelligence sharing was paramount to these operations; upon detecting a submarine, Nimrod aircrews would inform Royal Navy frigates and other NATO-aligned vessels to pursuit in an effort to continuously monitor Soviet submarines.<ref>Jefford et al. 2005, pp. 65–66.</ref> The safeguarding of the Royal Navy's [[Resolution-class submarine|''Resolution''-class]] [[ballistic missile submarine]]s, which were the launch platform for Britain's [[nuclear deterrent]], was viewed as being of the utmost priority.<ref>Jefford et al. 2005, pp. 100–101.</ref>