Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander
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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, around 400 are still in service with commercial operators around the world. The aircraft is a light transport with around 15 military aviation operators around the world.
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. 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Development
Origins
In 1953, Britten-Norman was formed for the purpose of converting and operating agricultural aircraft, amongst other vehicles such as the Cushioncraft hovercraft.<ref name="Simpson p. 77">Template:Harvnb</ref><ref name = "frick 75">Template:Harvnb</ref> 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.<ref name = "ain 40"/> The founders, John Britten<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 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.<ref name = "frick 75"/>
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.<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref> 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.<ref name = "frick 76">Template:Harvnb</ref> The type was originally intended to use a fabric-and-steel design. A light alloy monocoque approach was adopted instead.<ref name = "ain 40"/> The structure is designed to give rise to and experience low levels of stress, and has an infinite fatigue life without testing.<ref name = "frick 76"/>
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.<ref name = "ain 40"/><ref>Template:Harvnb.</ref> 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.<ref name = "ain 40"/> 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.<ref name = "orbis 992"/> 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.<ref name = "ain 40"/>
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.<ref name="Simpson p. 77"/><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 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.<ref name = "ain 40"/> 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.<ref name="Simpson p. 77"/><ref name = "ain 40"/> 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.<ref name = "ain 40"/><ref>Template:Harvnb</ref> More than 500 of the type were manufactured in Romania.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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.<ref name = "ain 40"/> 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.
Further development
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.<ref name = "ain 40"/> 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.<ref name="Simpson p. 77"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
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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.<ref name="Simpson p. 77" /> 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.<ref name="Simpson p. 77"/><ref name = "ain 40"/>
Another development was a turbo-normalizing system with RaJay turbocharger for the -2, -3, -6, -8, and -9 models allowing full power up to Template:Convert 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.<ref name = "ain 40"/> 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.<ref name = "ain 40"/>
In 1975 Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation was granted License production and programmed depot maintenance (PDM) of BN2 Islander wherein 67 units were produced from 1975-1995.<ref>https://archive.today/20240307024631/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1187954 Template:Bare URL inline</ref>
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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.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 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.<ref name = "ain 40"/><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
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.<ref name = "ain 40"/> 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.<ref name = "ain 40"/>
In February 1999, the acquisition of Romaero, the Romanian manufacturer of the Islander, by Britten-Norman Group was announced.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> By May 2006, a greater sales emphasis was being placed upon the Defender over the Islander.<ref name = "morr 2006">Template:Cite web</ref> 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".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In early 2008, B-N was studying a version powered by Template:Cvt aircraft diesel engines with SMA Engines, already offering the Template:Cvt SMA SR305-230.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Return to UK manufacture
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.<ref name="hoyle">Craig Hoyle. ‘New dawn’ for Britten-Norman, as it opens repatriated Islander production line, FlightGlobal, 22–09–2023. (Retrieved 26–09–2023)</ref>
Electric Project Fresson
Template:Main 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.<ref name=AvWeek26oct2018>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="hoyle"/>
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.<ref name = "ain 40"/> The prototype later received further design changes to produce the three-engined version, the BN-2A Mk III Trislander.<ref name="Simpson p. 77"/> This aircraft has a stretched fuselage, modified landing gear and a third engine, which is mounted on the tail.<ref name = "ain 40"/> On 11 September 1970, the Trislander prototype conducted its maiden flight, appearing at the 1970 Farnborough Air Show the same day.<ref name = "ain 40"/>
Design
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.<ref name = "ain 40"/><ref name = "orbis 992"/><ref name = "islan broch"/> 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.<ref name = "orbis 992">Template:Harvnb</ref><ref name = "BN isl page"/> Often referring to the type as "The world's most versatile aircraft",<ref name = "islan broch">"Islands: The World's Most Versatile Aircraft." Template:Webarchive Britten Norman, Retrieved: 25 March 2016.</ref> Britten-Norman promotes the Islander's low direct operating costs, minimal maintenance, and its stability in flight as major attributes of the aircraft.<ref name = "BN isl page">"Islander." Template:Webarchive Britten Norman, Retrieved: 25 March 2016.</ref>
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.<ref name = "islan broch"/> 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.<ref name = "islan broch"/> 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.<ref name = "islan broch"/> For operating within noise-sensitive environments, silencers can be equipped on the aircraft's engines and four-bladed propellers can be used.<ref>"Pilatus Britten-Norman will adopt Islander silencer." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 7 January 1998.</ref>
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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.<ref name = "ain 40">Goold, Ian. "Britten-Norman Islander celebrates 40th anniversary." Template:Webarchive AIN Online, 16 October 2006.</ref><ref name = "islan broch"/> 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.<ref name = "BN isl page"/> 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.<ref name = "islan broch"/><ref name = "BN isl page"/>
Operational history
Immediately following commercial availability, US distributor Jonas Aircraft ordered 30 Islanders, and placed orders for another 112 aircraft within a year.<ref name = "ain 40"/><ref name = "frick 76"/> 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.<ref name = "ain 40"/> The Islander's long-range capabilities were highlighted when the type won the 1969 London-Sydney air race.<ref name = "ain 40"/>
In 1974, sales of the Islander surpassed the 548-order record for British multi-engine commercial aircraft.<ref name = "ain 40"/> In 1982, another production milestone was reached with the delivery of the 1,000th Islander.<ref name = "ain 40"/> 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.<ref name = "morr 2006"/> As of 2016, Britten-Norman claim that the Islander is in daily service with roughly 500 operators in more than 120 countries.<ref name = "islan broch"/>
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.<ref>Lowton, Edward. "“At what altitude did you have your baby?” National Museum of Flight seeks mothers who gave birth midflight." Template:Webarchive Culture 24, 16 June 2015.</ref> The Islander services Loganair's Westray to Papa Westray flight, the shortest scheduled flight in the world at Template:Convert; the scheduled flight time including taxiing is two minutes.<ref>"Getting here is easy, by sea or air." Westray and Papa Westray, Retrieved: 25 March 2016.</ref><ref>"Final trip for Orkney shortest flight pilot." Template:Webarchive BBC News, 23 May 2013.</ref><ref>Kaminski-Morrow, David. "VIDEO: Loganair brings back 'world's shortest' flight." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 28 February 2011.</ref>
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Another U.S. commuter airline operator was Wings Airways which operated high frequency shuttle service into the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
By October 2019, 800 Islanders were in service including around 600 used for short flights.<ref name=AvWeek7oct2019>Template:Cite news</ref>
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.Template:Cn
Variants
Source:<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref>
- BN-2
- Prototype first flown in 1966 with two Template:Cvt 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 Template:Cvt 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 Template:Cvt 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 Template:Cvt Lycoming TIO-540-H1A (turbo-charged, fuel injected) engines.
- BN-2A-20
- A BN-2A-2 with increased takeoff weight and minor improvements.
- Template:Visible anchor
- 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.
- Template:Visible anchor
- 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.
- Defender military variant with Template:Cvt 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.
- Template:Visible anchor
- 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 Template:Cvt Allison 250-B17C turboprops. Seating for up to 9 passengers.
- 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.<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref> 1 Flight was later integrated into No. 651 Squadron.<ref name="651Sqn">Template:Cite web</ref> Redesignated Islander R1 in 2019 after being transferred to the Royal Air Force.<ref name="warnesy">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Islander CC2 and CC2A
- Variant of the BN-2T for the Royal Air Force; three operated.<ref name="Lake RAF44-5">Template:Harvnb</ref><ref>
"Islander BN2T CC Mk2." Template:Webarchive 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.</ref><ref name="Lake RAF p45-6">Template:Harvnb</ref> These aircraft were retired from the RAF in 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Maritime-Defender
- Armed maritime reconnaissance and patrol aircraft.
- BN-2A-III Trislander
- Three-engined Trislander, a stretched BN-2A with 18 seats and three Template:Cvt Lycoming O-540-E4C5 piston engines.
Operators
Military and government
Civilian
Former operators
Accidents
- 1974 Harbor Airlines accident - On 26 December 1974, a Britten-Norman BN-2A crashed Template:Convert 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 1975 Aer Arann accident - Aircraft Overran. Written Off <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 1980 Aer Arann accident - Aircraft Overran. Written Off <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 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 east Iceland; three on board died.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 1994 Sintang crash - On 25 April 1994, a Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander operated by Dirgantara Air Service struck Mount Saran while on descent in poor weather, 10 out of 11 on board died.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 1996 Loganair Islander accident
- 1998 Pointe-Lebel Air Satellite crash
- 2002 Tarakan crash - On 7 November 2002, a Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander operated by Dirgantara Air Service crashed shortly after takeoff after the pilot encountered engine problems and tried to land back, 7 out of 10 on board died.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2005 Loganair Islander accident
- 2009 Divi Divi Airlines crash
- 2005 L.A.B. Flying Service accident
- 2012 FlyMontserrat crash
- 2014 Romania Britten-Norman Islander crash
- 2016 Sunbird Aviation crash
- 2018 Airlines of Tasmania crash - On 8 December 2018, a Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander operated by Airlines of Tasmania crashed in southwest Tasmania in a likely VFR into IMC incident<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 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 three persons on board were injured.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2024 Air Taxi Vanuatu crash - On 15 July 2024, a BN-2A Islander operated by Air Taxi Vanuatu crashed close to its destination of Port Vila; one of the five people on board died.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Specifications (BN-2B Islander)
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See also
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References
Citations
Bibliography
- Template:Cite magazine
- BN Historians: Islander 2005 – BN-2 Production History, chapter Operators Index. Staines, Middlesex 2005, pp. 139–171.
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- Template:Cite magazine
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- Nikolaus Krivinyi: Warplanes of the World 1983/84. Bernard & Graefe Verlag, Koblenz 1983, Template:ISBN.
- Nikolaus Krivinyi: Warplanes of the World 1994/95. Bernard & Graefe Verlag, Koblenz 1994, Template:ISBN.
- Template:Cite magazine
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