Britten-Norman Defender

Last updated

Defender
ZH002 Britten-Norman Defender AL 2 British Armys 651 Sqdn landing at RAF Waddington (cropped).jpg
Britten-Norman Defender AL2 of the British Army Air Corps
RoleTransport, patrol, reconnaissance
National originUnited Kingdom
Manufacturer Britten-Norman
First flightMay 1970
Developed from Britten-Norman Islander

The Britten-Norman Defender is a multi-role utility transport aircraft, manufactured by Britten-Norman of the United Kingdom. It is the military version of the Britten-Norman Islander, developed for roles such as utility transport, casualty evacuation, counter-insurgency and light attack, forward air control, patrol and reconnaissance. The term 'Britten-Norman Defender' relates to all militarised variants of the BN-2 product line including the BN-2 Piston Defender, BN-2T Turbine Defender (sometimes known as the Defender 2000), the BN-2T-4R Defender (also known as AEW Defender and highlighted by its large bulbous nose) and the stretched variant BN-2T-4S, designated Defender 4000 (sometimes known as D4K). [1]

Contents

Development

First flown in May 1970, the Defender was based on the civilian Islander, and has a larger airframe with four underwing hardpoints for pylons to attach 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg) of fuel tanks, bombs, missiles, 7.62-mm (0.3-inch) machine-gun pods, rocket pods, flares, sensors and other stores.

The BN-2B (piston version) and BN-2T (turbine version) are used in military, coastguard, and police operations in several countries.

Defender 4000

BN-2T-4S Defender 4000 of 5 Regiment Army Air Corps in 2013 Defender Aircraft landing at Aldergrove MOD 45167732.jpg
BN-2T-4S Defender 4000 of 5 Regiment Army Air Corps in 2013
BN-2T-4S Defender 4000 of the Greater Manchester Police Britten norman defender g-gmpb at manchester arp.jpg
BN-2T-4S Defender 4000 of the Greater Manchester Police

The BN-2T-4S Defender 4000 is an enhanced version of the BN-2T Defender intended for the aerial surveillance role. Compared to earlier Defenders, it has a stretched fuselage, the enlarged wing from the Trislander, a new nose structure capable of accommodating an EO/IR sensor and radar, and an increased payload. [2] The prototype Defender 4000 first flew in 1995 and entered production from 1997. [3]

Operational history

Law enforcement use

The FBI deployed one Defender for electronic aerial surveillance on the Branch Davidians' compound during the siege of Waco in 1993. [4]

In August 2017, in an attempt to calm a gang war in Copenhagen, the Danish police force used at least one of the Danish National Guard's two Defenders to fly reconnaissance missions over the city. [5]

Military use

The Mauritanian Air Force employed six BN-2A-21 Defenders in the Western Sahara War against POLISARIO forces in 1976, losing two of them in action. [6]

A Rhodesian Air Force Alouette III, configured as a gunship or 'K-Car' (20mm cannon), shot down a Botswana Defence Force Air Wing Islander on 9 August 1979. [7]

In 1996, the Royal Cambodian Air Force deployed its three BN-2 Defenders in support of the dry season offensive against Khmer Rouge insurgents. The Defenders were armed with machine guns and rockets, and even dropped mortar rounds. One Defender was lost during the operation. [8]

In 2014 the Philippine Navy sent one of its Defenders to assist a multinational search and rescue party led by the government of Malaysia in search of the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. [9]

United Kingdom

In January 2004, the British Army placed an urgent order for four BN-2T-4S Defender 4000 aircraft designated the AL Mk 1 for ISTAR missions in Iraq. [10] The Defender was to be configured similar to the Army Islander AL Mk 1 and Defenders in use with Hampshire Constabulary and Greater Manchester Police. [10] In October 2004, the first aircraft was delivered to No. 1 Flight AAC and deployed to Iraq that month. [10] The final Mk 1 was delivered in September 2006 to No. 651 Squadron AAC which had been reformed to operate the Defender. [10] The Mk 1 was fitted with a Wescam MX-15 Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) turret under the nose, cabin-mounted cameras, COMINT and C2 equipment. [11] [12] [10] During the fleet's bi-annual return to the UK for in-depth servicing new ISTAR equipment was fitted. [10]

A second order was placed for four fully re-designed aircraft designated the Mk 2 and a trainer. [10] In September 2008, the first Mk 2 aircraft and also one Mk 1 upgraded to Mk 2 standard were delivered. [10] The Mk 2 was fitted with TCAS, EGPWS, improved DAS, improved avionics suite and had ISTAR equipment enhancements. [10] The Mk 2 had a longer endurance to the Mk 1 being able to carry more fuel and was also able to operate at a lower height. [10] The training variant was also delivered in September 2008 designated the T Mk 3. [10] The final Mk 2 aircraft was to be delivered by 2012 together with the three Mk 1s upgraded to Mk 2 standard. [10]

In June 2009, the Defender's deployment to Iraq ended with 651 Squadron serving continuously since October 2004 in which time it had provided over 8,000 hours in support of UK Forces. [10] In January to February 2010, the Defender was trialled in the Middle East with a Counter-IED capability for potential use in Afghanistan. [10] Defenders deployed to Afghanistan from November 2010 through to 2012. [10] [13] In 2012, Defenders flew daily missions prior to and during the London 2012 Summer Olympics. [13]

In April 2019, the Defender was transferred from the Army to the Royal Air Force with No. 1 Group. [14] [15] The aircraft was re-designated from AL2 (prefix AL for Army liaison) to R2 (prefix R for Reconnaissance). [16] [17] [18]

In July 2021, it was reported that the Defender was retired from service on 30 June 2021 and that Britten-Norman had acquired the fleet and working with the Defence Equipment Sales Authority will convert the aircraft for civilian sale. [19] [20] [21]

Variants

AEW Defender in flight Islander - RIAT 2017 (24052804958).jpg
AEW Defender in flight
Defender
Multi-role utility transport aircraft.
Maritime Defender
Armed maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.
Defender 4000
Enhanced Defender for the urban surveillance, counter-terrorism and maritime surveillance roles.
AEW Defender
Airborne Early Warning aircraft

Operators

Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark
Air Force Home Guard – 2 x BN-2A-26 [22]
Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland
Maltese Air Force Defender Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing Islander Zammit-1.jpg
Maltese Air Force Defender
Flag of Malta.svg  Malta
Flag of Mauritius.svg  Mauritius
Flag of Morocco.svg  Morocco
Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie 13 x BN-2T [25]
Flag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines
Defender AL2 of 651 Squadron of the Army Air Corps ZH002 Britten-Norman Defender AL.2.jpg
Defender AL2 of 651 Squadron of the Army Air Corps
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom

Former operators

Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom

Specifications (Defender 4000)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004, [30] Britten-Norman [1]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Britten-Norman Trislander</span> Three-engined piston airliner of the Britten-Norman BN-2 family 1970

The Britten-Norman Trislander is a three-engined piston-powered utility aircraft designed and produced by the British aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)</span> Aviation arm of the British Army

The Army Air Corps (AAC) is the aviation arm of the British Army, first formed in 1942 during the Second World War by grouping the various airborne units of the British Army. Today, there are eight regiments of the AAC, as well as two independent flights and two independent squadrons deployed in support of British Army operations around the world. Regiments and flights are located in the United Kingdom, Kenya, and Canada. Some AAC squadrons provide the air assault elements of 16 Air Assault Brigade, through Joint Helicopter Command.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">JHC FS Aldergrove</span> Ministry of Defence Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station

Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station Aldergrove, also known as simply JHC FS Aldergrove, is a British military base located 4.4 miles (7.1 km) south of Antrim, Northern Ireland and 18 miles (29 km) northwest of Belfast, and adjoins Belfast International Airport. It is sometimes referred to simply as Aldergrove which is the name of a nearby hamlet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raytheon Sentinel</span> Airborne battlefield and ground surveillance aircraft formerly operated by the Royal Air Force

The Raytheon Sentinel is a retired airborne battlefield and ground surveillance aircraft formerly operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF). While based on the Bombardier Global Express ultra long-range business jet, the prime contractor for the Sentinel was the American defence firm Raytheon, which supplied most of the mission systems and performed the integration work.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Botswana Defence Force Air Wing</span> Air warfare branch of Botswanas military forces

The Botswana Defence Force Air Arm is the air force of the Botswana Defence Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander</span> Utility transport aircraft series, 1965

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 54 Squadron RAF</span> Flying squadron of the Royal Air Force

Number 54 Squadron is a squadron of the Royal Air Force based at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire. On 1 September 2005, it took on the role of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operational Conversion Unit, and is now the Advanced Air ISTAR Academy, responsible for training all RAF crews assigned to the MQ-9A Reaper, Protector RG1 (MQ-9B), Shadow R1/R2, RC-135W Rivet Joint and Poseidon MRA1. It also controls the RAF ISR Warfare School (ISRWS) who run the Qualified Weapons Instructor Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and QWI Reaper Courses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canadair Sabre</span> Canadian licensed built F-86 Sabre

The Canadair Sabre is a jet fighter aircraft built by Canadair under licence from North American Aviation. A variant of the North American F-86 Sabre, it was produced until 1958 and used primarily by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) until replaced with the Canadair CF-104 in 1962. Several other air forces also operated the aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Falkland Islands Government Air Service</span> Airline based at Port Stanley Airport, Falkland Islands

Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) is an airline based at Port Stanley Airport, Falkland Islands. It operates unscheduled passenger services throughout the Falkland Islands. It also undertakes aerial surveillance of the exclusive economic zone surrounding the islands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Martinsyde Buzzard</span> Type of aircraft

The Martinsyde F.4 Buzzard was developed as a powerful and fast biplane fighter for the Royal Air Force (RAF), but the end of the First World War led to the abandonment of large-scale production. Fewer than 400 were eventually produced, with many exported. Of particular note was the Buzzard's high speed, being one of the fastest aircraft developed during World War I.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Air Force of Oman</span> Air warfare branch of Omans military

The Royal Air Force of Oman is the air arm of the Armed Forces of Oman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garda Air Support Unit</span>

The Garda Air Support Unit is a unit of the Garda Síochána which was formed in 1997. The GASU is part of the Operational Support Unit which provides specialist support to Gardaí nationwide. The Operational Support Unit also includes the Water Support, Dog Support and Mounted Support Units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing</span> Military unit

The Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing (JSFAW) is a Royal Air Force (RAF) and British Army joint service organisation that coordinates the provision of aviation support to the United Kingdom Special Forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 651 Squadron AAC</span> Military unit

No. 651 Squadron Army Air Corps, is an aircraft squadron of the British Army, originally formed as No. 651 Squadron Royal Air Force in Italy and North Africa during the Second World War, and afterwards in Egypt. Numbers 651 to 663 Squadrons of the RAF were air observation post units which had both Army and RAF personnel. The pilots, drivers and signallers were in the Royal Artillery whilst the adjutants, technical staff and equipment officers came from the RAF. Air observation posts were used primarily for artillery spotting, but occasionally for liaison and other duties. Their duties and squadron numbers were transferred to the Army with the formation of the Army Air Corps on 1 September 1957.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desmond Norman</span> English aircraft engineer (1929–2002)

Nigel Desmond Norman, was an aircraft designer and aviation pioneer. Norman co-founded Britten-Norman in 1954, was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1970, and served as chairman and managing director of AeroNorTec (1988–2002). With his longtime friend and business partner John Britten, he also designed, built, and sailed racing yachts, as well as a series of air cushion vehicles and crop spraying equipment. He died of a heart attack at age 73 in 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Britten-Norman BN-1</span> Type of aircraft

The Britten-Norman BN-1F is a British single-seat ultralight aircraft that was built in 1950.

5 Regiment Army Air Corps is a regiment of the British Army and is part of the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC). The regiment is based in Northern Ireland at JHC Flying Station Aldergrove.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Sunbird Aviation Britten-Norman Islander crash</span>

On 13 April 2016, a Britten-Norman BN-2T Turbine Islander operated by Sunbird Aviation crashed about 1,200 m short of runway 7 at Kiunga Airport in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea. The plane pitched up right before the crash, then dropped its right wing and fell almost vertically to the ground. Eleven passengers and the 31-year-old Australian pilot, Benjamin Picard, were killed. Nine people died on impact, with other three declared dead on arrival at Kiunga Hospital.

No. 1 Flight AAC was an independent flight within the British Army's Army Air Corps. It was formerly No. 1 Reconnaissance Flight AAC and before that No. 1901 Air Observation Post Flight RAF)

References

  1. 1 2 "Defender : More Than Meets The Eye" (PDF). Britten-Norman. 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 August 2011.
  2. ↑ "BN2T-4S – Defender 4000 Surveillance Aircraft". britten-norman.com. B-N Group Limited. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  3. ↑ "Britten-Norman Milestones". britten-norman.com. B-N Group Limited. Archived from the original on 14 April 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2010.
  4. ↑ FBI brings out secret electronics weapons as Waco siege drags on, by James Adams. The Sunday Times , p. 23, 21 March 1993
  5. ↑ "Politiken, Danish newspaper". politiken.dk. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
  6. ↑ Cooper, Tom. "Morocco, Mauritania & West Sahara since 1972". ACIG.org. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  7. ↑ Safarik, Jan J. "RHODESIA Post World War II Conflicts". aces.safarikovi.org/. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
  8. ↑ Grandolini, Albert. "Cambodia, 1954–1999; Part 3". ACIG.org. Archived from the original on 5 August 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  9. ↑ "PH planes ships still have no sighting of missing malaysian jet". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 9 March 2014. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Warner, Guy (2011). First in the Field : The Story of 651, the Army Air Corps' Premier Squadron. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Aviation. ISBN   9781848842632.
  11. ↑ Ripley, Tim (14 September 2016). "UK MoD looks to transfer Army Defender and Islander aircraft to RAF". Jane's Defence Weekly. Archived from the original on 13 August 2017.
  12. ↑ Lake, Jon (November 2006). "Recce Terriers". AirForces monthly – Officially The World's Number One Military Aviation Magazine. No. 224. Stamford: Key Publishing Ltd. ISSN   0955-7091.
  13. 1 2 Roberts, CAPT Charlie (2014). "Army Air Corps (AAC) Fixed Wing (FW) Manned Airborne Surveillance (MAS)" (PDF). LZDZ : Journal of the Joint Helicopter Command. No. 1. Kettering: Lance Publishing. OCLC   921510604 . Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  14. ↑ Air Vice Marshal Harvey Smyth Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group [@@HarvSmyth] (1 April 2019). "Handover of Fixed Wing Manned Aerial Surveillance from Army to RAF" (Tweet) – via Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ↑ Jennings, Gareth (2 April 2019). "UK transfers Defender and Islander special mission aircraft from AAC to RAF". Jane's Defence Weekly. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  16. ↑ "Avionic Upgrades for the RAF's Britten-Norman Islanders". Britten-Norman (Press release). 23 July 2019. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  17. ↑ Taylor, Steven (January 2020). "Operation Helvetic air support". AirForces monthly – Officially The World's Number One Military Aviation Magazine. No. 382. Stamford: Key Publishing Ltd. pp. 46–49. ISSN   0955-7091.
  18. ↑ "RAF Islander Avionics Upgrade Contract". Warnesy's World. 18 August 2019. Archived from the original on 22 February 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2019.
  19. ↑ "Farewell Islander/Defender". Scramble. Dutch Aviation Society. 11 July 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  20. ↑ "Britten-Norman Eyes New Export Opportunities". Britten Norman (Press release). 28 July 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  21. ↑ "British Army Retires Final Defender, Islander Aircraft" . Key.Aero. Key Publishing. 12 July 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  22. ↑ "Flyverhjemmeværnet kan arbejde fra luften" [The Air Force can work from the air]. Defence Command Denmark (Press release) (in Danish). 8 June 2015. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016.
  23. ↑ Warner, Guy (October 2015). "Policing Ireland". Air International . Vol. 89, no. 4. pp. 110–115. ISSN   0306-5634.
  24. ↑ "National Coast Guard". Mauritius Police Force. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  25. ↑ "Aviation Fanatic". aviationfanatic.com. Unknown. 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  26. ↑ "World Air Forces 2014" (PDF). Flightglobal Insight. 2014. p. 23. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  27. ↑ "G-INFO G-CGTC". Civil Aviation Authority. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  28. ↑ "First Lee-built B-N aircraft flies". Lee Flying Association. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  29. ↑ Ministry of Defence (1 April 2019). "Aircraft: Fixed-wing platforms of the UK Armed Forces". UK Armed Forces Equipment and Formations 2019. Table 7. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  30. ↑ Jackson 2003, pp. 484–486

Bibliography

  • Jackson, Mark, ed. (2003). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group. ISBN   978-0-7106-2537-3.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.