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.
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
Origins
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 alloymonocoque 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
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 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.[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 350hp (260kW)aircraft diesel engines with SMA Engines, already offering the 230hp (170kW)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
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]
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]
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
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
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 1.7mi (2.7km); the scheduled flight time including taxiing is two minutes.[29][30][31]
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]
1980 Flugfélag Austurlands Islander accident - On 22 september 1980 a Britten Norman BN2-a Islander flew into fog and crashed into Smjörfjöll mountain region in east Iceland killing three on board.[121]
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.[122]
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.[123]
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.[124]
Specifications (BN-2B Islander)
Front view, on groundSide view, on groundPlanform view, showing low aspect ratio wingInflight front view from below
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89[125]
General characteristics
Crew: 1
Capacity: 9 passengers / 2,048lb (929kg) maximum payload
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Britten-Norman (BN) is a privately owned British aircraft manufacturer and aviation services provider. The company is the sole independent commercial aircraft producer in the United Kingdom.
The Britten-Norman Trislander is a three-engined piston-powered utility aircraft designed and produced by the British aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman.
Loganair is a Scottish airline based in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland. It is the largest regional airline in the United Kingdom by passenger numbers and fleet size.
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Pacific Airways Corporation operating as Pacificair is a charter airline based in Manila in the Philippines. It operates scheduled passenger flights, as well as air taxi services, and agricultural work. Its main base is Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila.
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' refers to all militarised variants of the BN-2 product line including the BN-2 Piston Defender, the BN-2T Turbine Defender, the BN-2T-4R Defender and the stretched variant BN-2T-4S, designated Defender 4000.
Island Air Charters is an air charter company based in Tauranga, New Zealand. The company is owned by Paul Ensor and offers charter services around the Bay of Plenty using Cessna light aircraft.
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Stol Air Commuter was a United States commuter airline that began service around 1974. The air carrier was also known as STOL Air Commuter thus reflecting its use of STOL aircraft. It served the San Francisco, California Bay Area, and northern California. The airline was based in San Rafael in Marin County north of the city of San Francisco and also had administrative offices located in Santa Rosa, CA at one point. Stol Air Commuter operated scheduled passenger air service connecting several cities in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as northern California with San Francisco International Airport (SFO). According to the airline's system timetable, in the spring of 1975 Stol Air Commuter was operating 66 daily flights serving SFO via United Airlines gate 10 at the airport.
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The Britten-Norman BN-1F is a British single-seat ultralight aircraft that was built in 1950.
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↑ "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.
↑ "Flere fly til overvågningsopgaver"[More aircraft for surveillance tasks]. Defence Command Denmark (Press release) (in Danish). 24 February 2016. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
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