The Hawker Nimrod is a single seat biplane fighter which first flew in 1930. The Nimrod, was an adaptation of the Hawker Fury Fighter for operation from aircraft carriers. Its span is 3.5ft greater than that of the Fury. Later versions of the Nimrod had swept back wings, a larger tail and deck arrester gear. A twin float seaplane version was also built, designed for catapult launching from 'capital' ships. The type went into service with the Fleet Air Arm at the same time as the Osprey in 1931. Both types where represented in the mixed flight of new aircraft carried on HMS Eagle for demonstration at the British Empire Trade Exhibition, Buenos Aires, in March 1931.

By the start of the Second World war only eighteen examples of the Hawker Nimrod were left in service with 753, 755, 757, 759 and 780 Squadrons. The last aircraft in Fleet Air Arm service was S1582 with 753 Squadron who used it for daily weather checks until being 'paid off' in January 1942.

The Fighter Collection's aircraft S1581, manufacturers serial no 41H.3041 was restored by Aero Vintage Ltd and first flew post restoration in July 2000. It is the only flying example of the Hawker Nimrod I worldwide and one of only two aircraft known to survive. This particular aircraft is believed to have served as late as 1938 on the carrier HMS Glorious, and is presented in the marking of 802 Squadron FAA.