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Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander

The Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander is a British light utility aircraft and regional airliner designed and originally manufactured by Britten-Norman of the United Kingdom. Still in production, the Islander is one of the best-selling commercial aircraft types produced in Europe. Although designed in the 1960s, over 750 are still in service with commercial operators around the world. The aircraft is a light transport with over 30 military aviation operators around the world.

Islander
A Winair Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander
Role Utility aircraft/airliner
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer Britten-Norman
Designer John Britten, Desmond Norman
First flight 13 June 1965
Status Active service
Produced 1965–present
Number built 1,280
Variants Britten-Norman Defender
Developed into Britten-Norman Trislander

Initial aircraft were manufactured at Britten-Norman's factory in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, UK. After Fairey Aviation acquired the Britten-Norman company, its Islanders and Trislander aircraft were built in Romania, then shipped to Avions Fairey in Belgium for finishing before being flown to the UK for flight certification. The Islander has been in production for more than 50 years.

In September 2023, it was announced that production of the Islander has returned to the UK, after fifty-five years of manufacturing abroad. Several countries made Letters of Intent to buy Islanders, creating new jobs and possibly a new hangar. [1]

Development Edit

Origins Edit

In 1953, Britten-Norman was formed for the purpose of converting and operating agricultural aircraft, amongst other vehicles such as the Cushioncraft hovercraft.[2][3] In 1963, the firm initiated development work upon what would become the Islander, having sensed a demand for a simple and inexpensive twin-piston engine aircraft.[4] The founders, John Britten[5] and Desmond Norman, had observed the rapid growth of the commuter airline sector, and concluded that capacity was of a higher value to these operators than either range or cruising speed, thus the Islander emphasized payload over either of these attributes.[3]

Through the use of low wing- and span-loading to generate greater effectiveness than conventional counterparts, the Islander could lift considerably heavier payloads than the typical aircraft in its power, weight or cost classes.[6] To reduce manufacturing costs, both the wings and tail surfaces maintain a constant chord and thickness, while the ribs within the aircraft's wing are all identical; both rivets and external fishplate joints are used for the same purpose.[7] The type was originally intended to use a fabric-and-steel design. A light alloy monocoque approach was adopted instead.[4] The structure is designed to give rise to and experience low levels of stress, and has an infinite fatigue life without testing.[7]

 
The prototype BN-2 Islander displayed at the 1965 Paris Air Show six days after its maiden flight

On 13 June 1965, the first prototype BN-2 Islander conducted its maiden flight, powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce/Continental IO-360B piston engines; only four days later, the prototype appeared at the Paris Air Show.[4][8] The IO-360B engines were later replaced by more powerful Lycoming O-540-E engines, which were located further outboard on the wings, for superior single-engine climb performance.[4] On 20 August 1966, a second BN-2 prototype performed its first flight. These prototype aircraft, while resembling subsequent production models for the most part, were outfitted with different, less powerful engines.[9] On 24 April 1967, the first production Islander performed its first flight; UK type certification was received in August 1967, US authorities also certified the type in December 1967.[4]

Initial production of the Islander started at the Britten-Norman factory at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight; however, within a few years the company found that it could not produce the aircraft at a sufficient rate to keep up with the customer demand.[2][10] To expand production, a contract was placed with Intreprinderea de Reparatii Material Aeronautic (IRMA) of Romania, initially to assemble kit-form aircraft, which were then sent to the UK for completion. In August 1969, the first Romanian-assembled Islander performed its first flight.[4] IRMA proved successful at economically producing the aircraft, producing roughly 30-40 aircraft per year at times, and eventually became the primary manufacturing site for the Islander.[2][4] In 1977, IRMA received a contract for the production of a further 100 Islanders; from that point on, the firm produced all subsequent Islander aircraft.[4][11] More than 500 of the type were manufactured in Romania.[12]

In 1970, a military version of the Islander, marketed as the Defender, conducted its first flight. Modifications included the addition of underwing hardpoints for armaments/equipment, and the main cabin area being fitted out for light troop transport and support aircraft duties.[4] The Defender capitalised on the aircraft's rugged structure, making it suitable for long-term operations in developing countries. Purchases from police and military customers have typically been for use in surveillance and counter-terrorism operations. The Maritime Defender is another military version of the Islander, intended for search and rescue, coastal patrol and fishery protection.

 
A Seychellois Stamp with an illustration of a Britten-Norman Islander, 1981

Further development Edit

Despite the relative success of the Islander, Britten-Norman experienced wider financial difficulties during the late 1960s, ultimately resulting in the company entering receivership in October 1971.[4] In August 1972, Britten-Norman was purchased by the Fairey Aviation Group, forming the Fairey Britten-Norman company; shortly thereafter, the majority of manufacturing activity for both the Islander and Trislander was transferred to its Avions Fairey factory in Gosselies, Belgium. Completed aircraft were flown to Bembridge for final customer preparation prior to delivery.[2][13][14]

 
Inflight BN-2T

Fairey Aviation set about the development of a more powerful model, the Turbo Islander, equipped with a pair of Lycoming LTP101 turboprop engines. However, testing revealed that the LTP101 engines were too powerful for the aircraft; thus, following a period of re-designing, the project evolved into the Turbine Islander (BN-2T), equipped with a pair of Allison 250 turboprop engines instead.[2] However, Fairey encountered financial difficulty, resulting in the Fairey Britten-Norman company entering receivership and the firm's acquisition by Oerlikon Buerle of Switzerland, leading to the formation of Pilatus Britten-Norman, whereupon some production activity was transferred back to Bembridge.[2][4]

Another development was a turbo-normalizing system with RaJay turbocharger for the -2, -3, -6, -8, and -9 models allowing full power up to 14,000 feet (4,300 metres) with attendant increase in true airspeed and takeoff and climb performance. Presently Talco in Texas holds the STC.

In 1969, an improved version, the BN-2A Islander, conducted its maiden flight. It incorporated aerodynamic and flight equipment improvements, such as lower-drag engine cowlings and undercarriage, an improved interior, and an expanded rear baggage area with external access.[4] In 1970, to improve hot-and-high performance, more powerful Lycoming O-540-K1-B5 engines were made available, alongside optional tiptanks and an elongated nose to house baggage.[4]

 
Islander equipped with ducted fans, 1978

In 1977, a single standard BN-2 was refitted with Dowty Rotol ducted fans. The ducted fan produced less noise than conventional propeller propulsion. Some structural strengthening of the main wing spar at the root was required due to the extra weight.[15] This aircraft was subject to 18 months of flying trials to test the suitability of the ducted fan as a means of reducing aircraft noise; these tests reportedly demonstrated a 20 decibel noise reduction as well as increased thrust and reduced pollution.[4][16]

In 1978, a further improved version, the BN-2B Islander II, was produced as a result of a product improvement program. The BN-2B model involved several changes, including a redesigned cockpit and a reduction in cabin noise levels.[4] In 1980, it was decided to make available turboprop engines for the type, adopting twin Allison 250-B17C engines; when the latter are installed, the aircraft is designated the BN-2T Turbine Islander. The first such BN-2T entered service in 1981.[4]

In February 1999, the acquisition of Romaero, the Romanian manufacturer of the Islander, by Britten-Norman Group was announced.[17][18] By May 2006, a greater sales emphasis was being placed upon the Defender over the Islander.[19] In December 2006, aerospace publication Flight International observed that: "The only civil aircraft that remains in production in the UK is the tiny Britten-Norman Islander".[20]

In early 2008, B-N was studying a version powered by 350 hp (260 kW) aircraft diesel engines with SMA Engines, already offering the 230 hp (170 kW) SMA SR305-230.[21] In May 2010, Britten-Norman announced that manufacturing of the Islander would be relocated from Romania to a new site in the UK, due to the rising costs of production in Romania.[22]

Return to UK manufacture Edit

In 2023 Britten-Norman reactivated their original production line at Bembridge in the Isle of Wight and closed down overseas manufacture. New aircraft, to be produced at two per year initially and rising thereafter, are expected to continue the practice of incorporating progressive improvements to the current design. These include a glass cockpit from Garmin.[23]

Electric Project Fresson Edit

In conjunction with Britten-Norman, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS), a subsidiary of Cranfield University, is developing an electric propulsion system for the over 700 Islanders currently operated.[24][23]

Trislander Edit

In 1968, the original second Islander prototype was re-used for a further development programme, being modified into a stretched aircraft with greater capacity, referred to as the Super Islander. However, the Super Islander programme was aborted without proceeding to certification.[4] The prototype later received further design changes to produce the three-engined version, the BN-2A Mk III Trislander.[2] This aircraft has a stretched fuselage, modified landing gear and a third engine, which is mounted on the tail.[4] On 11 September 1970, the Trislander prototype conducted its maiden flight, appearing at the 1970 Farnborough Air Show the same day.[4]

Design Edit

 
Cockpit of a BN-2 Islander

The Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander is a high-wing cantilever monoplane with a rectangular fuselage and two wing-mounted engines; early aircraft were equipped with a pair of piston engines while later production models may be alternatively fitted with turboprop engines in their place.[4][9][25] The rectangular cross section fuselage, which is furnished with a conventional tail unit and fixed tricycle landing gear, can accommodate a single pilot and up to nine passengers in a commuter configuration, or operate in a mixed cargo/passenger capacity. The cabin can be rapidly reconfigured, allowing for a single aircraft to undertake a diverse range of tasks within a minimal period of time.[9][26] Often referring to the type as "The world's most versatile aircraft",[25] Britten-Norman promotes the Islander's low direct operating costs, minimal maintenance, and its stability in flight as major attributes of the aircraft.[26]

The original Islander was designed with an emphasis upon providing ease of access within the short haul sector to remote locations as a safe, efficient, and profitable transport aircraft.[25] It has been regularly used by such operators, including the frequent use of unprepared rough airstrips and from challenging terrain; the Islander being capable of short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations.[25] The low load height and wide side doors provide for easy access for passenger and cargo operations, while the aircraft's ability to maintain a high takeoff frequency has led to the type's use for parachuting.[25] For operating within noise-sensitive environments, silencers can be equipped on both the aircraft's engine and propellers.[27]

 
Exit in a parachuting exercise

Designed as a small and inexpensive commuter/utility aircraft, various cabin configurations and equipment loadouts are available to suit a wide variety of different purposes, including charter flights, scheduled flights, agricultural uses, aerial firefighting, air freight VIP/executive transport, aerial surveillance, air ambulance, paradropping, and law enforcement.[4][25] The design programme can be entirely personalized, allowing each customer to be involved in every area of the aircraft's manufacture to mold it to their preferences.[26] Later versions of the Islander offer various options, including enlarged bay doors, 3-bladed scimitar propellers, low drag fairings, modern interior, ergonomic leather seating, in-flight entertainment systems, and alternative seat arrangements; underwing hardpoints can also be installed for carrying pod, spray booms and other external stores.[25][26]

Operational history Edit

Immediately following commercial availability, US distributor Jonas Aircraft ordered 30 Islanders, and placed orders for another 112 aircraft within a year.[4][7] When equipped with four 54-gallon fuel tanks, the Islander was able to ferry itself across the transatlantic route, via Gander International Airport, Newfoundland, for US deliveries.[4] The Islander's long-range capabilities were highlighted when the type won the 1969 London-Sydney air race.[4]

In 1974, sales of the Islander surpassed the 548-order record for British multi-engine commercial aircraft.[4] In 1982, another production milestone was reached with the delivery of the 1,000th Islander.[4] From the 1980s onwards, sales noticeably declined; according to Britten-Norman Chief Executive William Hynett, this was due to the global market having become saturated by the type and there being only a low civil demand for additional aircraft, in part due to the longevity of in-service Islanders.[19] As of 2016, Britten-Norman claim that the Islander is in daily service with roughly 500 operators in more than 120 countries.[25]

Between 1976 and 2006, Scottish airline Loganair operated a number of Islanders as air ambulances, covering areas such as the island communities in the Hebrides.[28] The Islander services Loganair's Westray to Papa Westray flight, the shortest scheduled flight in the world at 1.7 mi (2.7 km); the scheduled flight time including taxiing is two minutes.[29][30][31]

Several commuter airlines and general aviation charter operators in the U.S. also flew the Islander including Stol Air Commuter in scheduled passenger service in northern California from their San Francisco International Airport (SFO) hub and Channel Islands Aviation in southern California which used the aircraft for the flights to Channel Islands National Park.[32][33] Another U.S. commuter airline operator was Wings Airways which operated high frequency shuttle service into the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).[34]

By October 2019, 800 Islanders were in service including around 600 used for short flights.[35]

On August 28, 2023, Torres Strait Air stated that it is investing $16.3 million to upgrade its fleet with ten new Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.[36]

Variants Edit

Source:[37]

BN-2
Prototype first flown in 1966 with two 260 hp (190 kW) Lycoming O-540-E4B5 piston engines.

BN-2A
Production version with minor modification from prototype and increased takeoff weight.
BN-2A-2
A BN-2A with modified flaps, and two 300 hp (220 kW) Lycoming IO-540-K1B5 (fuel injected) engines.
BN-2A-3
A BN-2A-2 with increased wingspan and fitted with extra wingtip fuel tanks.
BN-2A-6
A BN-2A with wing leading edge modifications and two 260 hp (190 kW) Lycoming O-540-E4C5 engine.
BN-2A-7
A BN-2A-6 with increased wingspan and fuel capacity.
BN-2A-8
A BN-2A-6 with droop flaps.
BN-2A-9
A BN-2A-7 with droop flaps.
BN-2A-10
A BN-2A-8 with increased takeoff weight and 270 hp (200 kW) Lycoming TIO-540-H1A (turbo-charged, fuel injected) engines.
BN-2A-20
A BN-2A-2 with increased takeoff weight and minor improvements.
BN-2A-21
A BN-2A-3 with increased takeoff weight.
BN-2A-23
A BN-2A-21 with lengthened nose.
BN-2A-24
A BN-2A-26 with lengthened nose.
BN-2A-25
A BN-2A-27 with lengthened nose.
BN-2A-26
A BN-2A-8 with increased takeoff weight.
BN-2A-27
A BN-2A-9 with increased takeoff weight.
BN-2A-30
A BN-2A-20 fitted with floats. Twin floats were attached to the undercarriage legs and incorporated retractable landing gear.
BN-2A-41
Turbo Islander with lengthened nose, droop flaps and two Lycoming LTP-101 turboprops, first flown in 1977.
Britten-Norman BN-2B Defender
 
A Maltese Air Force Islander
Defender military variant with 300 hp (220 kW) IO-540-K1B5 engines and underwing hard points and military modifications.
BN-2B-20
A BN-2A-20 with improved soundproofing and increased landing weight and other minor modifications.
BN-2B-21
A BN-2A-21 with Model B improvements.
BN-2B-26
A BN-2A-26 with Model B improvements.
BN-2B-27
A BN-2A-27 with Model B improvements.
BN-2T
Turbine Islander based on BN-2A-26 with two 320 shp (240 kW) Allison 250-B17C turboprops. Seating for up to 9 passengers.
 
Islander CC2 of the RAF
Islander AL1
Variant of the BN-2T for communications and reconnaissance duties with the British Army; seven built. Used for aerial reconnaissance and photography in Northern Ireland during Operation Banner by No. 1 Flight Army Air Corps based at Aldergrove.[38] 1 Flight was later integrated into No. 651 Squadron.[39] Redesignated Islander R1 in 2019 after being transferred to the Royal Air Force.[40]
Islander CC2 and CC2A
Variant of the BN-2T for the Royal Air Force; three operated.[41][42][43] These aircraft were retired from the RAF in 2017.[44]
Maritime-Defender
Armed maritime reconnaissance and patrol aircraft.
BN-2A-III Trislander
Three-engined Trislander, a stretched BN-2A with 18 seats and three 260 hp (190 kW) Lycoming O-540-E4C5 piston engines.

Operators Edit

Military and government Edit

 
Armed Force of Malta Britten-Norman Islander at the 2015 Malta International Airshow
  Abu Dhabi
  Angola
  Antigua and Barbuda
  Belgium
  Belize
  Botswana
  Cambodia
  Central African Republic
  Ciskei
  Cyprus
  Denmark
  Falkland Islands
  Gambia
  Ghana
  Guyana
  Haiti
  Hong Kong
  India
  Indonesia
  Ireland
  Israel
  Jamaica
  Madagascar
  Malawi
  Mali
  Malta
  Mauritania
  Mauritius
  Mexico
  Myanmar
    Nepal
  Oman
  Pakistan
  Panama
  Philippines
  Qatar
  Rhodesia
  Romania
  Rwanda
  Senegal
  Seychelles
  South Africa
  Suriname
  Thailand
  Turkey
  United Arab Emirates
  United Kingdom
  Venezuela
  Zaire
  Zimbabwe

Civilian Edit

 
Vieques Air Link Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander at Benjamín Rivera Noriega Airport

Former operators Edit

Accidents Edit

 
2005 Loganair Islander accident Wreckage

Specifications (BN-2B Islander) Edit

 
Front view, on ground
 
Side view, on ground
 
Planform view, showing low aspect ratio wing
 
Inflight front view from below

Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89[120]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 9 passengers / 2,048 lb (929 kg) maximum payload
  • Length: 35 ft 7+34 in (10.86 m)
  • Wingspan: 49 ft 0 in (14.94 m)
  • Height: 13 ft 8+34 in (4.18 m)
  • Wing area: 325.0 sq ft (30.19 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 7.4:1
  • Airfoil: NACA 23012
  • Empty weight: 4,114 lb (1,866 kg) equipped (without avionics)
  • Max takeoff weight: 6,600 lb (2,994 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 137 imp gal (165 US gal; 620 L)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Lycoming O-540-E4C5 6-cylinder air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engines, 260 hp (190 kW) each
  • Propellers: 2-bladed Hartzell HC-C2YK-2B constant speed propellers, 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) diameter

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 148 kn (170 mph, 274 km/h) at sea level
  • Cruise speed: 130 kn (150 mph, 240 km/h) at 12,000 ft (3,700 m) (59% power)
  • Stall speed: 40 kn (46 mph, 74 km/h) (flaps down)
  • Never exceed speed: 183 kn (211 mph, 339 km/h)
  • Range: 755 nmi (869 mi, 1,398 km) at 130 kn (150 mph; 241 km/h) and 12,000 ft (3,700 m) (59% power, standard fuel)
  • Service ceiling: 11,300 ft (3,400 m)
  • Rate of climb: 860 ft/min (4.4 m/s) at sea level
  • Take-off run to 50 ft (15 m): 1,218 ft (370 m) (at sea level)
  • Landing run from 50 ft (15 m): 980 ft (300 m) (at sea level)

See also Edit

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References Edit

Citations Edit

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  104. ^ "Medan Polonia Airport". oldjets.net. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  105. ^ "Flugáætlanir á Austurlandi í sumar". Austri (in Icelandic). 8 June 1979. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  106. ^ "Flugfélag Vestmanneyja".
  107. ^ "Aviation Photo #1681962: Britten-Norman BN-2A-9 Islander - Vængir".
  108. ^ . Archived from the original on 11 December 2015. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  109. ^ a b "3rd Level New Zealand: The Barrier Connection - Great Barrier Airlines". 17 May 2015.
  110. ^ "[ZK-MCD Britten-Norman BN2 Islander photograph]".
  111. ^ "Stewart Island Flights | Our Fleet".
  112. ^ Anthony, John (7 July 2021). "Fly My Sky owes creditors more than $800,000, including out of pocket customers". Stuff. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  113. ^ "Farewell Islander/Defender". Scramble. Dutch Aviation Society. 11 July 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  114. ^ "British Army Retires Final Defender, Islander Aircraft". Key.Aero. Key Publishing. 12 July 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  115. ^ April 15, 1975 Official Airline Guide (OAG), North American edition, San Francisco (SFO) flight schedules for Stol Air
  116. ^ "ASN Aircraft accident Britten-Norman BN-2A-27 Islander TF-RTO Mount Smjörfjöllum".
  117. ^ "1 pilot dead in water crash". mlive. 22 October 2009. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  118. ^ "4 dead in plane crash on Beaver Island". mlive. 14 November 2021. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  119. ^ "ASN Aircraft accident Britten-Norman BN-2A-9 Islander N821RR Culebra Airport (CPX)". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  120. ^ Taylor 1988, pp. 301–302

Bibliography Edit

  • BN Historians: Islander 2005 – BN-2 Production History, chapter Operators Index. Staines, Middlesex 2005, pp. 139–171.
  • "Directory:World Air Forces". Flight International. 14–20 December 2010. pp. 26–53.
  • Endres, Günter G. (1979). World Airline Fleets 1979. Hounslow, UK: Airline Publications and Sales Ltd. ISBN 0-905117-53-0.
  • Fricker, John (April 1968). "The Britten-Norman Islander". Flying. Vol. 82, no. 4. pp. 75–77. ISSN 0015-4806.
  • Green, William (1976). The Observer's Book of Aircraft. London: Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd. ISBN 0-7232-1553-7..
  • Hagedorn, Daniel P. (1993). Central American and Caribbean Air Forces. Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Historians). ISBN 978-0851302102.
  • Hamilton-Paterson, James (2010). Empire of the Clouds: When Britain's Aircraft Ruled the World. Faber & Faber. ISBN 978-0-5712-7173-3.
  • Hoyle, Craig (2021). "World Air Forces 2021". Flight International. Flightglobal Insight. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  • "none". The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). London: Orbis Publishing. 1985.
  • Nikolaus Krivinyi: Warplanes of the World 1983/84. Bernard & Graefe Verlag, Koblenz 1983, ISBN 3-7637-5181-5.
  • Nikolaus Krivinyi: Warplanes of the World 1994/95. Bernard & Graefe Verlag, Koblenz 1994, ISBN 3-7637-5922-0.
  • Lake, Jon (December 2008). "Aircraft of the RAF - Part 8 Islander". Air International. Vol. 75, no. 6. pp. 44–46.
  • Ripley, Tim; Chappel, Mike (1993). Security forces in Northern Ireland (1969-92). Osprey. ISBN 1-8553-2278-1.
  • Simpson, R. W. (1991). Airlife's General Aviation. London: Airlife Publishing. p. 190. ISBN 1-85310-194-X.
  • Taylor, John W. R., ed. (1976). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77. London: Jane's Yearbooks. ISBN 0-354-00538-3.
  • Taylor, John W. R., ed. (1988). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89. London: Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-7106-0867-5.
  • "World's Air Forces". Flight International. 28 November 1987.
  • "World's Air Forces". Flight International. 27 November – 3 December 1991.

External links Edit

  • Official website
  • . Forecast International. October 2013. Archived from the original on 12 October 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017.

britten, norman, islander, british, light, utility, aircraft, regional, airliner, designed, originally, manufactured, britten, norman, united, kingdom, still, production, islander, best, selling, commercial, aircraft, types, produced, europe, although, designe. The Britten Norman BN 2 Islander is a British light utility aircraft and regional airliner designed and originally manufactured by Britten Norman of the United Kingdom Still in production the Islander is one of the best selling commercial aircraft types produced in Europe Although designed in the 1960s over 750 are still in service with commercial operators around the world The aircraft is a light transport with over 30 military aviation operators around the world IslanderA Winair Britten Norman BN 2 IslanderRole Utility aircraft airlinerNational origin United KingdomManufacturer Britten NormanDesigner John Britten Desmond NormanFirst flight 13 June 1965Status Active serviceProduced 1965 presentNumber built 1 280Variants Britten Norman DefenderDeveloped into Britten Norman TrislanderInitial aircraft were manufactured at Britten Norman s factory in Bembridge Isle of Wight UK After Fairey Aviation acquired the Britten Norman company its Islanders and Trislander aircraft were built in Romania then shipped to Avions Fairey in Belgium for finishing before being flown to the UK for flight certification The Islander has been in production for more than 50 years In September 2023 it was announced that production of the Islander has returned to the UK after fifty five years of manufacturing abroad Several countries made Letters of Intent to buy Islanders creating new jobs and possibly a new hangar 1 Contents 1 Development 1 1 Origins 1 2 Further development 1 2 1 Return to UK manufacture 1 2 2 Electric Project Fresson 1 3 Trislander 2 Design 3 Operational history 4 Variants 5 Operators 5 1 Military and government 5 2 Civilian 5 3 Former operators 6 Accidents 7 Specifications BN 2B Islander 8 See also 9 References 9 1 Citations 9 2 Bibliography 10 External linksDevelopment EditOrigins Edit In 1953 Britten Norman was formed for the purpose of converting and operating agricultural aircraft amongst other vehicles such as the Cushioncraft hovercraft 2 3 In 1963 the firm initiated development work upon what would become the Islander having sensed a demand for a simple and inexpensive twin piston engine aircraft 4 The founders John Britten 5 and Desmond Norman had observed the rapid growth of the commuter airline sector and concluded that capacity was of a higher value to these operators than either range or cruising speed thus the Islander emphasized payload over either of these attributes 3 Through the use of low wing and span loading to generate greater effectiveness than conventional counterparts the Islander could lift considerably heavier payloads than the typical aircraft in its power weight or cost classes 6 To reduce manufacturing costs both the wings and tail surfaces maintain a constant chord and thickness while the ribs within the aircraft s wing are all identical both rivets and external fishplate joints are used for the same purpose 7 The type was originally intended to use a fabric and steel design A light alloy monocoque approach was adopted instead 4 The structure is designed to give rise to and experience low levels of stress and has an infinite fatigue life without testing 7 nbsp The prototype BN 2 Islander displayed at the 1965 Paris Air Show six days after its maiden flightOn 13 June 1965 the first prototype BN 2 Islander conducted its maiden flight powered by a pair of Rolls Royce Continental IO 360B piston engines only four days later the prototype appeared at the Paris Air Show 4 8 The IO 360B engines were later replaced by more powerful Lycoming O 540 E engines which were located further outboard on the wings for superior single engine climb performance 4 On 20 August 1966 a second BN 2 prototype performed its first flight These prototype aircraft while resembling subsequent production models for the most part were outfitted with different less powerful engines 9 On 24 April 1967 the first production Islander performed its first flight UK type certification was received in August 1967 US authorities also certified the type in December 1967 4 Initial production of the Islander started at the Britten Norman factory at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight however within a few years the company found that it could not produce the aircraft at a sufficient rate to keep up with the customer demand 2 10 To expand production a contract was placed with Intreprinderea de Reparatii Material Aeronautic IRMA of Romania initially to assemble kit form aircraft which were then sent to the UK for completion In August 1969 the first Romanian assembled Islander performed its first flight 4 IRMA proved successful at economically producing the aircraft producing roughly 30 40 aircraft per year at times and eventually became the primary manufacturing site for the Islander 2 4 In 1977 IRMA received a contract for the production of a further 100 Islanders from that point on the firm produced all subsequent Islander aircraft 4 11 More than 500 of the type were manufactured in Romania 12 In 1970 a military version of the Islander marketed as the Defender conducted its first flight Modifications included the addition of underwing hardpoints for armaments equipment and the main cabin area being fitted out for light troop transport and support aircraft duties 4 The Defender capitalised on the aircraft s rugged structure making it suitable for long term operations in developing countries Purchases from police and military customers have typically been for use in surveillance and counter terrorism operations The Maritime Defender is another military version of the Islander intended for search and rescue coastal patrol and fishery protection nbsp A Seychellois Stamp with an illustration of a Britten Norman Islander 1981Further development Edit Despite the relative success of the Islander Britten Norman experienced wider financial difficulties during the late 1960s ultimately resulting in the company entering receivership in October 1971 4 In August 1972 Britten Norman was purchased by the Fairey Aviation Group forming the Fairey Britten Norman company shortly thereafter the majority of manufacturing activity for both the Islander and Trislander was transferred to its Avions Fairey factory in Gosselies Belgium Completed aircraft were flown to Bembridge for final customer preparation prior to delivery 2 13 14 nbsp Inflight BN 2TFairey Aviation set about the development of a more powerful model the Turbo Islander equipped with a pair of Lycoming LTP101 turboprop engines However testing revealed that the LTP101 engines were too powerful for the aircraft thus following a period of re designing the project evolved into the Turbine Islander BN 2T equipped with a pair of Allison 250 turboprop engines instead 2 However Fairey encountered financial difficulty resulting in the Fairey Britten Norman company entering receivership and the firm s acquisition by Oerlikon Buerle of Switzerland leading to the formation of Pilatus Britten Norman whereupon some production activity was transferred back to Bembridge 2 4 Another development was a turbo normalizing system with RaJay turbocharger for the 2 3 6 8 and 9 models allowing full power up to 14 000 feet 4 300 metres with attendant increase in true airspeed and takeoff and climb performance Presently Talco in Texas holds the STC In 1969 an improved version the BN 2A Islander conducted its maiden flight It incorporated aerodynamic and flight equipment improvements such as lower drag engine cowlings and undercarriage an improved interior and an expanded rear baggage area with external access 4 In 1970 to improve hot and high performance more powerful Lycoming O 540 K1 B5 engines were made available alongside optional tiptanks and an elongated nose to house baggage 4 nbsp Islander equipped with ducted fans 1978In 1977 a single standard BN 2 was refitted with Dowty Rotol ducted fans The ducted fan produced less noise than conventional propeller propulsion Some structural strengthening of the main wing spar at the root was required due to the extra weight 15 This aircraft was subject to 18 months of flying trials to test the suitability of the ducted fan as a means of reducing aircraft noise these tests reportedly demonstrated a 20 decibel noise reduction as well as increased thrust and reduced pollution 4 16 In 1978 a further improved version the BN 2B Islander II was produced as a result of a product improvement program The BN 2B model involved several changes including a redesigned cockpit and a reduction in cabin noise levels 4 In 1980 it was decided to make available turboprop engines for the type adopting twin Allison 250 B17C engines when the latter are installed the aircraft is designated the BN 2T Turbine Islander The first such BN 2T entered service in 1981 4 In February 1999 the acquisition of Romaero the Romanian manufacturer of the Islander by Britten Norman Group was announced 17 18 By May 2006 a greater sales emphasis was being placed upon the Defender over the Islander 19 In December 2006 aerospace publication Flight International observed that The only civil aircraft that remains in production in the UK is the tiny Britten Norman Islander 20 In early 2008 B N was studying a version powered by 350 hp 260 kW aircraft diesel engines with SMA Engines already offering the 230 hp 170 kW SMA SR305 230 21 In May 2010 Britten Norman announced that manufacturing of the Islander would be relocated from Romania to a new site in the UK due to the rising costs of production in Romania 22 Return to UK manufacture Edit In 2023 Britten Norman reactivated their original production line at Bembridge in the Isle of Wight and closed down overseas manufacture New aircraft to be produced at two per year initially and rising thereafter are expected to continue the practice of incorporating progressive improvements to the current design These include a glass cockpit from Garmin 23 Electric Project Fresson Edit Main article Project Fresson In conjunction with Britten Norman Cranfield Aerospace Solutions CAeS a subsidiary of Cranfield University is developing an electric propulsion system for the over 700 Islanders currently operated 24 23 Trislander Edit Main article Britten Norman Trislander In 1968 the original second Islander prototype was re used for a further development programme being modified into a stretched aircraft with greater capacity referred to as the Super Islander However the Super Islander programme was aborted without proceeding to certification 4 The prototype later received further design changes to produce the three engined version the BN 2A Mk III Trislander 2 This aircraft has a stretched fuselage modified landing gear and a third engine which is mounted on the tail 4 On 11 September 1970 the Trislander prototype conducted its maiden flight appearing at the 1970 Farnborough Air Show the same day 4 Design Edit nbsp Cockpit of a BN 2 IslanderThe Britten Norman BN 2 Islander is a high wing cantilever monoplane with a rectangular fuselage and two wing mounted engines early aircraft were equipped with a pair of piston engines while later production models may be alternatively fitted with turboprop engines in their place 4 9 25 The rectangular cross section fuselage which is furnished with a conventional tail unit and fixed tricycle landing gear can accommodate a single pilot and up to nine passengers in a commuter configuration or operate in a mixed cargo passenger capacity The cabin can be rapidly reconfigured allowing for a single aircraft to undertake a diverse range of tasks within a minimal period of time 9 26 Often referring to the type as The world s most versatile aircraft 25 Britten Norman promotes the Islander s low direct operating costs minimal maintenance and its stability in flight as major attributes of the aircraft 26 The original Islander was designed with an emphasis upon providing ease of access within the short haul sector to remote locations as a safe efficient and profitable transport aircraft 25 It has been regularly used by such operators including the frequent use of unprepared rough airstrips and from challenging terrain the Islander being capable of short takeoff and landing STOL operations 25 The low load height and wide side doors provide for easy access for passenger and cargo operations while the aircraft s ability to maintain a high takeoff frequency has led to the type s use for parachuting 25 For operating within noise sensitive environments silencers can be equipped on both the aircraft s engine and propellers 27 nbsp Exit in a parachuting exerciseDesigned as a small and inexpensive commuter utility aircraft various cabin configurations and equipment loadouts are available to suit a wide variety of different purposes including charter flights scheduled flights agricultural uses aerial firefighting air freight VIP executive transport aerial surveillance air ambulance paradropping and law enforcement 4 25 The design programme can be entirely personalized allowing each customer to be involved in every area of the aircraft s manufacture to mold it to their preferences 26 Later versions of the Islander offer various options including enlarged bay doors 3 bladed scimitar propellers low drag fairings modern interior ergonomic leather seating in flight entertainment systems and alternative seat arrangements underwing hardpoints can also be installed for carrying pod spray booms and other external stores 25 26 Operational history EditImmediately following commercial availability US distributor Jonas Aircraft ordered 30 Islanders and placed orders for another 112 aircraft within a year 4 7 When equipped with four 54 gallon fuel tanks the Islander was able to ferry itself across the transatlantic route via Gander International Airport Newfoundland for US deliveries 4 The Islander s long range capabilities were highlighted when the type won the 1969 London Sydney air race 4 In 1974 sales of the Islander surpassed the 548 order record for British multi engine commercial aircraft 4 In 1982 another production milestone was reached with the delivery of the 1 000th Islander 4 From the 1980s onwards sales noticeably declined according to Britten Norman Chief Executive William Hynett this was due to the global market having become saturated by the type and there being only a low civil demand for additional aircraft in part due to the longevity of in service Islanders 19 As of 2016 Britten Norman claim that the Islander is in daily service with roughly 500 operators in more than 120 countries 25 Between 1976 and 2006 Scottish airline Loganair operated a number of Islanders as air ambulances covering areas such as the island communities in the Hebrides 28 The Islander services Loganair s Westray to Papa Westray flight the shortest scheduled flight in the world at 1 7 mi 2 7 km the scheduled flight time including taxiing is two minutes 29 30 31 Several commuter airlines and general aviation charter operators in the U S also flew the Islander including Stol Air Commuter in scheduled passenger service in northern California from their San Francisco International Airport SFO hub and Channel Islands Aviation in southern California which used the aircraft for the flights to Channel Islands National Park 32 33 Another U S commuter airline operator was Wings Airways which operated high frequency shuttle service into the Philadelphia International Airport PHL 34 By October 2019 800 Islanders were in service including around 600 used for short flights 35 On August 28 2023 Torres Strait Air stated that it is investing 16 3 million to upgrade its fleet with ten new Britten Norman Islander aircraft 36 Variants EditSource 37 BN 2 Prototype first flown in 1966 with two 260 hp 190 kW Lycoming O 540 E4B5 piston engines BN 2A Production version with minor modification from prototype and increased takeoff weight BN 2A 2 A BN 2A with modified flaps and two 300 hp 220 kW Lycoming IO 540 K1B5 fuel injected engines BN 2A 3 A BN 2A 2 with increased wingspan and fitted with extra wingtip fuel tanks BN 2A 6 A BN 2A with wing leading edge modifications and two 260 hp 190 kW Lycoming O 540 E4C5 engine BN 2A 7 A BN 2A 6 with increased wingspan and fuel capacity BN 2A 8 A BN 2A 6 with droop flaps BN 2A 9 A BN 2A 7 with droop flaps BN 2A 10 A BN 2A 8 with increased takeoff weight and 270 hp 200 kW Lycoming TIO 540 H1A turbo charged fuel injected engines BN 2A 20 A BN 2A 2 with increased takeoff weight and minor improvements BN 2A 21 A BN 2A 3 with increased takeoff weight BN 2A 23 A BN 2A 21 with lengthened nose BN 2A 24 A BN 2A 26 with lengthened nose BN 2A 25 A BN 2A 27 with lengthened nose BN 2A 26 A BN 2A 8 with increased takeoff weight BN 2A 27 A BN 2A 9 with increased takeoff weight BN 2A 30 A BN 2A 20 fitted with floats Twin floats were attached to the undercarriage legs and incorporated retractable landing gear BN 2A 41 Turbo Islander with lengthened nose droop flaps and two Lycoming LTP 101 turboprops first flown in 1977 Britten Norman BN 2B Defender nbsp A Maltese Air Force IslanderDefender military variant with 300 hp 220 kW IO 540 K1B5 engines and underwing hard points and military modifications BN 2B 20 A BN 2A 20 with improved soundproofing and increased landing weight and other minor modifications BN 2B 21 A BN 2A 21 with Model B improvements BN 2B 26 A BN 2A 26 with Model B improvements BN 2B 27 A BN 2A 27 with Model B improvements BN 2T Turbine Islander based on BN 2A 26 with two 320 shp 240 kW Allison 250 B17C turboprops Seating for up to 9 passengers nbsp Islander CC2 of the RAFIslander AL1 Variant of the BN 2T for communications and reconnaissance duties with the British Army seven built Used for aerial reconnaissance and photography in Northern Ireland during Operation Banner by No 1 Flight Army Air Corps based at Aldergrove 38 1 Flight was later integrated into No 651 Squadron 39 Redesignated Islander R1 in 2019 after being transferred to the Royal Air Force 40 Islander CC2 and CC2A Variant of the BN 2T for the Royal Air Force three operated 41 42 43 These aircraft were retired from the RAF in 2017 44 Maritime Defender Armed maritime reconnaissance and patrol aircraft BN 2A III Trislander Three engined Trislander a stretched BN 2A with 18 seats and three 260 hp 190 kW Lycoming O 540 E4C5 piston engines Operators EditMilitary and government Edit nbsp Armed Force of Malta Britten Norman Islander at the 2015 Malta International Airshow nbsp Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi Defence Force 45 nbsp AngolaNational Air Force of Angola 46 nbsp Antigua and BarbudaAntigua and Barbuda Air Wing 47 nbsp BelgiumBelgian Army 45 nbsp BelizeBelize Defence Force 48 nbsp BotswanaBotswana Defence Force Air Wing 49 nbsp CambodiaRoyal Cambodian Air Force 49 nbsp Central African RepublicCentral African Republic Air Force 50 nbsp CiskeiCiskei Defence Force 51 nbsp CyprusCyprus Air Forces 52 nbsp DenmarkDanish Home Guard 53 nbsp Falkland IslandsFalkland Islands Government Air Service 54 nbsp GambiaGambia Armed Forces 55 nbsp GhanaGhana Air Force 45 nbsp GuyanaGuyana Defence Force 45 56 nbsp HaitiArmed Forces of Haiti 55 nbsp Hong KongRoyal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force 57 nbsp IndiaIndian Naval Air Arm 58 nbsp IndonesiaIndonesian Army 58 nbsp IrelandIrish Air Corps 59 nbsp IsraelIsraeli Air Force 60 nbsp JamaicaJamaica Defence Force 61 nbsp MadagascarMilitary of Madagascar 45 nbsp MalawiMilitary of Malawi 62 nbsp MaliAir Force of Mali 63 nbsp MaltaMaltese Air Wing 63 nbsp MauritaniaMilitary of Mauritania 64 nbsp MauritiusMauritius Coast Guard 65 nbsp MexicoMexican Air Force 45 nbsp MyanmarMyanmar Air Force 64 nbsp NepalNepalese Army Air Service 66 nbsp OmanRoyal Air Force of Oman 45 nbsp PakistanPakistan Maritime Security Agency nbsp PanamaPanamanian Public Forces 67 nbsp PhilippinesPhilippine Air Force 68 Philippine Navy 68 Philippine Coast Guard 69 nbsp QatarQatar Air Force nbsp RhodesiaRhodesian Air Force 70 nbsp RomaniaRomanian Air Force 55 nbsp RwandaRwandan Air Force nbsp SenegalSenegalese Air Force nbsp SeychellesSeychelles Air Force 71 nbsp South AfricaSouth African Air Force 72 nbsp SurinameSurinam Air Force nbsp ThailandRoyal Thai Air Force 62 nbsp TurkeyMilitary of Turkey 55 nbsp United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates Air Force 62 nbsp United KingdomPolice Service of Northern Ireland 73 nbsp VenezuelaArmy of Venezuela 55 Venezuelan National Guard nbsp ZaireZaire Air Wing 74 nbsp ZimbabweAir Force of Zimbabwe 75 Civilian Edit nbsp Vieques Air Link Britten Norman BN 2 Islander at Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport nbsp AustraliaTorres Strait Air 7 Islanders 76 nbsp AustraliaPar Avion Airlines Of Tasmanian 2 Islanders 77 nbsp Antigua and BarbudaLIAT 5 as of 1979 78 nbsp BahrainGulf Aviation 79 nbsp BelizeMaya Island Air 3 as of 1979 80 nbsp BrazilVOTEC 81 nbsp British Virgin IslandsAir BVI 78 nbsp CanadaAir Montmagny 82 Great River Air 83 Lawrence Bay Airways 84 Sable Aviation 85 South Nahanni Airways 86 Villers Air Services 87 nbsp CuracaoDivi Divi Air citation needed nbsp FijiAir Fiji 88 nbsp FranceAir Caledonie 89 nbsp GermanyFLN Frisia Luftverkehr 90 Luftverkehr Friesland Harle 91 OLT 92 nbsp GreeceOlympic Aviation 93 nbsp IrelandAer Arann Islands 94 nbsp MontserratFlyMontserrat nbsp Puerto RicoVieques Air Link Air Flamenco nbsp United KingdomHebridean Air Services 95 Isles of Scilly Skybus 96 Loganair 97 nbsp United StatesCape Air 98 Crested Butte Air Service 99 Gulf Coast Airlines 100 New England Airlines 101 Island Airways nbsp VanuatuUnity Airlines 102 Former operators Edit nbsp FinlandFinnish Air Force 103 Britten Norman BN 2A Islander nbsp IndonesiaSabang Merauke Raya Air Charter 104 nbsp IraqIraqi Air Force 62 nbsp IcelandFlugfelag Austurlands 105 Flugfelag Vestmannaeyja 106 Vaengir 107 nbsp MauritiusRVL Aviation 108 nbsp New ZealandBarrier Air 109 Mount Cook Airlines 110 Sea Bee Air 109 Stewart Island Flights 111 Fly My Sky 112 nbsp Republic of ChinaRepublic of China Air Force nbsp SomaliaSomali Air Force 55 nbsp United KingdomRoyal Air Force 113 114 nbsp United StatesStol Air Commuter 115 Accidents Edit nbsp 2005 Loganair Islander accident Wreckage1980 Flugfelag Austurlands Islander accident On 22 september 1980 a Britten Norman BN2 a Islander flew into fog and crashed into Smjorfjoll mountain region in east Iceland killing three on board 116 1996 Loganair Islander accident 2005 Loganair Islander accident 2009 Divi Divi Airlines crash on Oct 22 flight 14 had one pilot fatality while 9 passengers were rescued after water landing due to engine failure near Bonaire Island 117 2005 L A B Flying Service accident 2012 FlyMontserrat crash 2014 Romania Britten Norman Islander crash 2016 Sunbird Aviation crash 2021 Island Airways crash On 13 November 2021 a Britten Norman BN 2A Islander crashed while attempting to land at Welke Airport on Beaver Island Charlevoix County Michigan Four deaths were reported 118 2022 Air Flamenco crash On 15 February 2022 a Britten Norman BN 2A Islander N821RR veered off the runway at Culebra Airport CPX Puerto Rico doing substantial right wing and propeller damage None of the 3 persons on board were injured 119 Specifications BN 2B Islander Edit nbsp Front view on ground nbsp Side view on ground nbsp Planform view showing low aspect ratio wing nbsp Inflight front view from belowData from Jane s All the World s Aircraft 1988 89 120 General characteristicsCrew 1 Capacity 9 passengers 2 048 lb 929 kg maximum payload Length 35 ft 7 3 4 in 10 86 m Wingspan 49 ft 0 in 14 94 m Height 13 ft 8 3 4 in 4 18 m Wing area 325 0 sq ft 30 19 m2 Aspect ratio 7 4 1 Airfoil NACA 23012 Empty weight 4 114 lb 1 866 kg equipped without avionics Max takeoff weight 6 600 lb 2 994 kg Fuel capacity 137 imp gal 165 US gal 620 L Powerplant 2 Lycoming O 540 E4C5 6 cylinder air cooled horizontally opposed piston engines 260 hp 190 kW each Propellers 2 bladed Hartzell HC C2YK 2B constant speed propellers 6 ft 6 in 1 98 m diameterPerformance Maximum speed 148 kn 170 mph 274 km h at sea level Cruise speed 130 kn 150 mph 240 km h at 12 000 ft 3 700 m 59 power Stall speed 40 kn 46 mph 74 km h flaps down Never exceed speed 183 kn 211 mph 339 km h Range 755 nmi 869 mi 1 398 km at 130 kn 150 mph 241 km h and 12 000 ft 3 700 m 59 power standard fuel Service ceiling 11 300 ft 3 400 m Rate of climb 860 ft min 4 4 m s at sea level Take off run to 50 ft 15 m 1 218 ft 370 m at sea level Landing run from 50 ft 15 m 980 ft 300 m at sea level See also Edit nbsp UK portal nbsp Aviation portalRelated development Britten Norman Trislander Britten Norman DefenderAircraft of comparable role configuration and era Aero Commander 500 family Cessna 402 Cessna 208 Caravan Dornier Do 28 GippsAero GA8 Airvan Piper PA 31 Navajo Tecnam P2012 TravellerReferences EditCitations Edit Toogood Darren BACK TO BRITAIN FOR BRITTEN NORMAN AS PRODUCTION OF ICONIC ISLANDER RETURNS TO BEMBRIDGE islandecho co uk Island Echo Retrieved 24 September 2023 a b c d e f g Simpson 1991 p 77 a b Fricker 1968 p 75 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z Goold Ian Britten Norman Islander celebrates 40th anniversary Archived 15 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine AIN Online 16 October 2006 John Britten obituary PDF Flight International 16 July 1977 p 187 Archived from the original PDF on 17 April 2017 Retrieved 16 April 2017 Fricker 1968 pp 75 76 a b c Fricker 1968 p 76 Green 1976 p 52 a b c Orbis 1985 p 992 Fricker John December 1968 Foreign Accent Flying Vol 83 no 6 p 26 ISSN 0015 4806 Archived from the original on 11 April 2016 Hamilton Paterson 2010 p 255 Romaero Romaero Archived from the original on 30 June 2012 Retrieved 20 August 2012 Avions Fairey Gosselies amp Sonaca a Tips of genie Belgian Aircraft History Association Archived from the original on 20 June 2010 Retrieved 25 March 2016 Fricker John September 1977 Past and Present Flying Vol 101 no 3 p 271 ISSN 0015 4806 Archived from the original on 11 April 2016 Hirst Mike 16 July 1977 Building the quiet Islander PDF Flight International p 210 Archived from the original PDF on 7 April 2016 Reporting Points Flying October 1977 p 25 ISSN 0015 4806 Archived from the original on 11 April 2016 Britten Norman takes over Romania s Romaero Aviation Week 8 February 1999 Archived from the original on 8 April 2016 Britten Norman enjoys new Romanian rhapsody Flight International 14 June 1999 Archived from the original on 7 April 2016 a b Morrison Murdo 20 June 2006 Great Britten Flight International Archived from the original on 7 April 2016 Kingsley Jones Max 22 December 2006 Final landing A history of the UK aircraft industry or Why Britain botched building airliners Flight International Archived from the original on 7 April 2016 Charles Alcock 14 January 2008 B N putting a positive spin on its propeller driven aircraft AIN online Morrison Murdo 28 May 2010 Britten Norman brings production back to the UK Flight International Archived from the original on 7 April 2016 a b Craig Hoyle New dawn for Britten Norman as it opens repatriated Islander production line FlightGlobal 22 09 023 Retrieved 26 09 2023 Tony Osborne 26 October 2018 Loganair Visions Electric Island Hopping Flight First Aviation Week amp Space Technology a b c d e f g h Islands The World s Most Versatile Aircraft Archived 6 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Britten Norman Retrieved 25 March 2016 a b c d Islander Archived 21 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine Britten Norman Retrieved 25 March 2016 Pilatus Britten Norman will adopt Islander silencer Archived 7 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 7 January 1998 Lowton Edward At what altitude did you have your baby National Museum of Flight seeks mothers who gave birth midflight Archived 7 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Culture 24 16 June 2015 Getting here is easy by sea or air Westray and Papa Westray Retrieved 25 March 2016 Final trip for Orkney shortest flight pilot Archived 4 May 2018 at the Wayback Machine BBC News 23 May 2013 Kaminski Morrow David VIDEO Loganair brings back world s shortest flight Archived 7 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 28 February 2011 March 1 1975 Stol Air Commuter system timetable Archived from the original on 2 February 2001 Retrieved 16 April 2018 FlyCIA Flights to Channel Islands Archived from the original on 13 April 2017 Retrieved 13 April 2017 July 15 1981 Wings Airways system timetable Archived from the original on 2 February 2001 Retrieved 16 April 2018 Graham Warwick 7 October 2019 The Week In Technology Oct 7 11 2019 Aviation Week amp Space Technology Britten Norman Sells 10 Islanders To An Australian Airline For 25 Million simpleflying com Retrieved 1 September 2023 Simpson 1991 pp 78 79 Ripley amp Chappel 1993 p 30 651 Squadron Army Air Corps British Army Archived from the original on 4 June 2017 RAF Islander Avionics Upgrade Contract Warnesy s World Retrieved 10 September 2019 Lake 2008 pp 44 45 Islander BN2T CC Mk2 Archived 4 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine Royal Air Force Retrieved 22 November 2008 Note While officially described as communications and photo survey aircraft these aircraft are believed to also operate in a surveillance role Lake 2008 pp 45 46 RAF Islanders Replaced by Civilian Contracted Aircraft Warnesy s World Retrieved 10 September 2019 a b c d e f g Taylor 1976 p 175 World Air Forces 2010 PDF Flightglobal Insight 2010 Retrieved 4 May 2021 Antigua and Barbuda Air Wing to be established Hoyle 2021 p 13 a b Hoyle 2021 p 14 Hoyle 2021 p 15 Flight International 27 November 3 December 1991 p 41 Hoyle 2021 p 17 Flere fly til overvagningsopgaver More aircraft for surveillance tasks Defence Command Denmark Press release in Danish 24 February 2016 Retrieved 8 March 2020 Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service fig gov fk Retrieved 14 May 2021 a b c d e f Krivinyi 1994 p 137 Hoyle 2021 p 19 Flight International 28 November 1987 p 60 a b Hoyle 2021 p 20 Hoyle 2021 p 21 Islander 2005 p 155 Hagedorn 1993 pp 137 138 a b c d Krivinyi 1983 p 238 a b Hoyle 2021 p 23 a b Hoyle 2021 p 24 Mauritius Coast Guard Defender Air International Vol 79 no 4 October 2010 p 20 ISSN 0306 5634 Hoyle 2021 p 25 Flight International 14 20 December 2010 p 44 a b Hoyle 2021 p 27 PCG Islander aircraft maintenance budget items PDF Philippine Coast Guard Retrieved 30 March 2022 Brent W A Rhodesian Air Force A Brief History 1947 1980 Freeworld Publications 1988 p 13 23 Hoyle Flight International 8 14 December 2015 p 47 Islander 2005 p 166 G INFO G BSWR Civil Aviation Authority Retrieved 29 February 2020 Flight International 27 November 3 December 1991 p 71 Hoyle 2021 p 34 Torres Strait Air Fleet torresair com Retrieved 1 September 2023 Par Avion Fleet paravion com Retrieved 10 September 2023 a b Endres 1979 p 389 Endres 1979 p 13 Endres 1979 p 388 Endres 1979 pp 335 336 Air Montmagny Nos Avions airmontmagny com Retrieved 14 April 2023 Great River Air Our Fleet greatriverair com Retrieved 14 April 2023 Lawrence Bay Airways Fleet lawrencebayairways com Retrieved 14 April 2023 Sable Aviation Aircraft sableaviation ca Retrieved 14 April 2023 South Nahanni Aircraft southnahanniairways ca Retrieved 14 April 2023 Villers Air Services Fleet villersair com Retrieved 14 April 2023 Endres 1979 p 92 Endres 1979 p 117 Endres 1979 p 84 rzjets Luftverkehr Friesland Retrieved 23 September 2022 Endres 1979 p 88 Endres 1979 p 355 Endres 1979 p 98 Air Charter Archived from the original on 8 May 2010 Skybus Loganair Aircraft Loganair Archived from the original on 8 December 2015 Retrieved 1 December 2015 Aircraft Configuration Information PDF capeair com Retrieved 1 June 2023 Crested Butte Air Service timetableimages com Retrieved 1 June 2023 Why wait Check in times timetableimages com Retrieved 1 June 2023 Federal Aviation Administration Airline Certificate Information Detail View av info faa gov Retrieved 11 July 2021 Unity Airlines Aircraft unity airlines com Retrieved 14 April 2023 Islander 2005 p 150 Medan Polonia Airport oldjets net Retrieved 29 March 2021 Flugaaetlanir a Austurlandi i sumar Austri in Icelandic 8 June 1979 Retrieved 18 February 2023 Flugfelag Vestmanneyja Aviation Photo 1681962 Britten Norman BN 2A 9 Islander Vaengir RVL Group Our Aircraft Archived from the original on 11 December 2015 Retrieved 6 December 2015 a b 3rd Level New Zealand The Barrier Connection Great Barrier Airlines 17 May 2015 ZK MCD Britten Norman BN2 Islander photograph Stewart Island Flights Our Fleet Anthony John 7 July 2021 Fly My Sky owes creditors more than 800 000 including out of pocket customers Stuff Retrieved 20 January 2023 Farewell Islander Defender Scramble Dutch Aviation Society 11 July 2021 Retrieved 13 August 2021 British Army Retires Final Defender Islander Aircraft Key Aero Key Publishing 12 July 2021 Retrieved 13 August 2021 April 15 1975 Official Airline Guide OAG North American edition San Francisco SFO flight schedules for Stol Air ASN Aircraft accident Britten Norman BN 2A 27 Islander TF RTO Mount Smjorfjollum 1 pilot dead in water crash mlive 22 October 2009 Retrieved 11 December 2022 4 dead in plane crash on Beaver Island mlive 14 November 2021 Retrieved 14 November 2021 ASN Aircraft accident Britten Norman BN 2A 9 Islander N821RR Culebra Airport CPX aviation safety net Retrieved 1 June 2023 Taylor 1988 pp 301 302 Bibliography Edit BN Historians Islander 2005 BN 2 Production History chapter Operators Index Staines Middlesex 2005 pp 139 171 Directory World Air Forces Flight International 14 20 December 2010 pp 26 53 Endres Gunter G 1979 World Airline Fleets 1979 Hounslow UK Airline Publications and Sales Ltd ISBN 0 905117 53 0 Fricker John April 1968 The Britten Norman Islander Flying Vol 82 no 4 pp 75 77 ISSN 0015 4806 Green William 1976 The Observer s Book of Aircraft London Frederick Warne amp Co Ltd ISBN 0 7232 1553 7 Hagedorn Daniel P 1993 Central American and Caribbean Air Forces Kent UK Air Britain Historians ISBN 978 0851302102 Hamilton Paterson James 2010 Empire of the Clouds When Britain s Aircraft Ruled the World Faber amp Faber ISBN 978 0 5712 7173 3 Hoyle Craig 2021 World Air Forces 2021 Flight International Flightglobal Insight Retrieved 4 May 2021 none The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft Part Work 1982 1985 London Orbis Publishing 1985 Nikolaus Krivinyi Warplanes of the World 1983 84 Bernard amp Graefe Verlag Koblenz 1983 ISBN 3 7637 5181 5 Nikolaus Krivinyi Warplanes of the World 1994 95 Bernard amp Graefe Verlag Koblenz 1994 ISBN 3 7637 5922 0 Lake Jon December 2008 Aircraft of the RAF Part 8 Islander Air International Vol 75 no 6 pp 44 46 Ripley Tim Chappel Mike 1993 Security forces in Northern Ireland 1969 92 Osprey ISBN 1 8553 2278 1 Simpson R W 1991 Airlife s General Aviation London Airlife Publishing p 190 ISBN 1 85310 194 X Taylor John W R ed 1976 Jane s All The World s Aircraft 1976 77 London Jane s Yearbooks ISBN 0 354 00538 3 Taylor John W R ed 1988 Jane s All the World s Aircraft 1988 89 London Jane s Information Group ISBN 0 7106 0867 5 World s Air Forces Flight International 28 November 1987 World s Air Forces Flight International 27 November 3 December 1991 External links Edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Britten Norman Islander Official website B N Group Turbine Islander Forecast International October 2013 Archived from the original on 12 October 2017 Retrieved 12 October 2017 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Britten Norman BN 2 Islander amp oldid 1177769384, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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