Comparing Nimrod MR1 with the Shack MR?

[lasernigel]

<<and the central computer?>>

This owed its lineage to the Chieftain Tank for which an 8k 16-bit computer was adequate. It used core storage - something that Babbage might have recognised - a small wooden frame with sets of parallel wires in a grid. The intersections with a small iron washer. As it was made of iron it was rusty!

The computer you refer to was actually from the FACE system(Field Artillery Computer Equipment),was a Marconi based one and programs were loaded into it via an interface using tape from a teleprinter.The first computer fitted to Chieftain was for IFCS(Integrated Fire Control System) also by Marconi but this was first trialled at ATDU.Later versions were more modern and didn't use ferrite core stores.Program loading tho was still quite antiquated using a metal tape reader encased in a metal 'handbag'.

[Gainesy]

Wasn't the Atlantique prone to tailplane icing? ISTR that was the cause of one of the Dutch ditchings and at least one other.