TheBritten-Norman BN-2 Islander is a British light utility aircraft andregional airliner designed and originally manufactured byBritten-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[citation needed] 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.
Initial aircraft were manufactured at Britten-Norman's factory inBembridge,Isle of Wight, UK. AfterFairey Aviation acquired the Britten-Norman company, its Islanders andTrislander aircraft were built inRomania, then shipped toAvions Fairey in Belgium for finishing before being flown to the UK for flight certification. Being certified in 1967 the Islander is still in production.
In September 2023, it was announced that production of the Islander has returned to the UK, after fifty-five years of manufacturing abroad.[1]
In 1953, Britten-Norman was formed for the purpose of converting and operatingagricultural aircraft, amongst other vehicles such as theCushioncraft 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] andDesmond Norman, had observed the rapid growth of thecommuter 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 constantchord and thickness, while theribs within the aircraft's wing are all identical; bothrivets and external fishplate joints are used for the same purpose.[7] The type was originally intended to use a fabric-and-steel design. A lightalloymonocoque 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 1965Paris Air Show six days after its maiden flight
On 13 June 1965, the first prototype BN-2 Islander conducted itsmaiden flight, powered by a pair ofRolls-Royce/Continental IO-360B piston engines; only four days later, the prototype appeared at theParis Air Show.[4][8] The IO-360B engines were later replaced by more powerfulLycoming 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; UKtype 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 atBembridge on theIsle 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 withIntreprinderea 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 theDefender, conducted its first flight. Modifications included the addition of underwinghardpoints 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. TheMaritime 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
Despite the relative success of the Islander, Britten-Norman experienced wider financial difficulties during the late 1960s, ultimately resulting in the company enteringreceivership in October 1971.[4] In August 1972, Britten-Norman was purchased by theFairey Aviation Group, forming the Fairey Britten-Norman company; shortly thereafter, the majority of manufacturing activity for both the Islander and Trislander was transferred to itsAvions Fairey factory inGosselies, 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 ofLycoming 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 ofAllison 250 turboprop engines instead.[2] However, Fairey encountered financial difficulty, resulting in the Fairey Britten-Norman company entering receivership and the firm's acquisition byOerlikon Buerle of Switzerland, leading to the formation ofPilatus 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, theBN-2A Islander, conducted its maiden flight. It incorporatedaerodynamic 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 powerfulLycoming O-540-K1-B5 engines were made available, alongside optional tiptanks and an elongated nose to house baggage.[4]
In 1977, a single standard BN-2 was refitted withDowty Rotolducted 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.[16] 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 20decibel noise reduction as well as increased thrust and reduced pollution.[4][17]
In 1978, a further improved version, theBN-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 availableturboprop engines for the type, adopting twinAllison 250-B17C engines; when the latter are installed, the aircraft is designated theBN-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.[18][19] By May 2006, a greater sales emphasis was being placed upon the Defender over the Islander.[20] In December 2006, aerospace publicationFlight International observed that: "The only civil aircraft that remains in production in the UK is the tiny Britten-Norman Islander".[21]
In early 2008, B-N was studying a version powered by 350 hp (260 kW)aircraft diesel engines withSMA Engines, already offering the 230 hp (170 kW)SMA SR305-230.[22]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.[23]
In 2023Britten-Norman reactivated their original production line atBembridge in theIsle 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 aglass cockpit fromGarmin.[24]
In conjunction with Britten-Norman, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS), a subsidiary ofCranfield University, is developing anelectric propulsion system for the over 700 Islanders currently operated.[25][24]
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 theSuper 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, theBN-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 1970Farnborough Air Show the same day.[4]
The Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander is a shoulder-wing cantilevermonoplane with a rectangular fuselage and two wing-mounted engines; early aircraft were equipped with a pair ofpiston engines while later production models may be alternatively fitted withturboprop engines in their place.[4][9][26] The rectangular cross section fuselage, which is furnished with a conventional tail unit and fixedtricycle 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][27] Often referring to the type as "The world's most versatile aircraft",[26] Britten-Norman promotes the Islander's low direct operating costs, minimal maintenance, and its stability in flight as major attributes of the aircraft.[27]
The original Islander was designed with an emphasis upon providing ease of access within theshort haul sector to remote locations as a safe, efficient, and profitable transport aircraft.[26] It has been regularly used by such operators, including the frequent use of unprepared rough airstrips and from challenging terrain; the Islander being capable ofshort takeoff and landing (STOL) operations.[26] 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 forparachuting.[26] For operating within noise-sensitive environments, silencers can be equipped on the aircraft's engines and four-bladed propellers can be used.[28]
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, includingcharter flights, scheduled flights,agricultural uses,aerial firefighting, air freightVIP/executive transport,aerial surveillance,air ambulance,paradropping, and law enforcement.[4][26] 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.[27] Later versions of the Islander offer various options, including enlarged bay doors, 3-bladedscimitar propellers, low drag fairings, modern interior, ergonomic leather seating,in-flight entertainment systems, and alternative seat arrangements; underwinghardpoints can also be installed for carrying pod, spray booms and other external stores.[26][27]
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 thetransatlantic route, viaGander International Airport,Newfoundland, for US deliveries.[4] The Islander's long-range capabilities were highlighted when the type won the 1969London-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.[20] As of 2016, Britten-Norman claim that the Islander is in daily service with roughly 500 operators in more than 120 countries.[26]
Between 1976 and 2006, Scottish airlineLoganair operated a number of Islanders as air ambulances, covering areas such as the island communities in theHebrides.[29] The Islander servicesLoganair'sWestray 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.[30][31][32]
1974 Harbor Airlines accident - On 26 December 1974, a Britten-Norman BN-2A crashed 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in a snowstorm; the pilot and three of the five passengers died. The cause was determined to be a clogged pitot tube.[122]
1975 Aer Arann accident - Aircraft Overran. Written Off[123]
1980 Aer Arann accident - Aircraft Overran. Written Off[124]
1980 Flugfélag Austurlands Islander accident - On 22 September 1980, a Britten Norman BN-2A Islander flew into fog and crashed into Smjörfjöll mountain region in eastIceland; three on board died.[125]
1994 Sintang crash - On 25 April 1994, a Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander operated byDirgantara Air Service struck Mount Saran while on descent in poor weather, 10 out of 11 on board died.[126]
2002 Tarakan crash - On 7 November 2002, a Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander operated byDirgantara Air Service crashed shortly after takeoff after the pilot encountered engine problems and tried to land back, 7 out of 10 on board died.[127]
2018 Airlines of Tasmania crash - On 8 December 2018, a Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander operated byAirlines of Tasmania crashed in southwestTasmania in a likelyVFR intoIMC incident[128]
2021 Island Airways crash - On 13 November 2021, a Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander crashed while attempting to land atWelke Airport onBeaver Island, Charlevoix County, Michigan. Four deaths were reported.[129]
2022 Air Flamenco crash - On 15 February 2022, a Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander (N821RR) veered off the runway atCulebra Airport (CPX),Puerto Rico doing substantial right wing and propeller damage. None of the three persons on board were injured.[130]
2024 Air Taxi Vanuatu crash - On 15 July 2024, a BN-2A Islander operated by Air Taxi Vanuatu crashed close to its destination ofPort Vila; one of the five people on board died.[131][132]
^"Islander BN2T CC Mk2."Archived 4 April 2012 at theWayback 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.
^"Flere fly til overvågningsopgaver" [More aircraft for surveillance tasks].Defence Command Denmark (Press release) (in Danish). 24 February 2016. Archived fromthe original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved8 March 2020.
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