De Britten-Norman BN-2 Eilander is een Brits licht utiliteitsvliegtuig en regionaal vliegtuig ontworpen en oorspronkelijk vervaardigd door Britten-Norman uit het Verenigd Koninkrijk. De Islander is nog steeds in productie en is een van de best verkochte commerciële vliegtuigtypes die in Europa worden geproduceerd. Hoewel ontworpen in de jaren 1960, zijn er nog steeds meer dan 750 in dienst bij commerciële exploitanten over de hele wereld. Het vliegtuig is een licht transport met meer dan 30 militaire luchtvaartoperators over de hele wereld.
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General Characteristics and Role
The Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander is one of the most successful and enduring light aircraft designs in British aviation history. Introduced in the 1960s, the BN-2A is the definitive refined production version, designed specifically for high-frequency, short-haul operations from rugged, unprepared airstrips. Its simple, robust construction and high-wing design make it an ideal bush plane for island-hopping and remote regional transport. One of its most unique features is its lack of a center aisle; passengers access their seats via three separate doors on either side of the fuselage. This design maximizes interior space for payload and allows for very rapid boarding and egress.
Property
Typical Value (BN-2A Islander)
Type
Light Utility Transport / Commuter Airliner
National Origin
Verenigd Koninkrijk
Fabrikant
Britten-Norman
Entered Service
1967 (BN-2), 1969 (BN-2A)
Bemanning
1 or 2
Passenger Capacity
Up to 9 passengers
Lengte
10.86 m (35 ft 8 in)
Spanwijdte
14.94 m (49 ft 0 in)
Powerplant and Performance
Engines: 2 x Lycoming O-540-E4C5 or IO-540-K1B5 flat-six piston engines. The Islander is also available in a turboprop version (Defender/Turbine Islander).
Engine Power: 260 hp to 300 hp (195-225 kW) per engine.
Maximum Speed: Approx. 273 km/h (170 mph).
Service Ceiling: 4,000 m (13,200 ft).
STOL Capability: The Islander is famous for its Short Take-Off and Landing performance, requiring as little as 189 meters (620 ft) of ground roll to get airborne.
Landing Gear: Fixed tricycle landing gear with dual main wheels, designed to handle the high stress of repeated landings on grass, dirt, or gravel tracks.
Fuselage: Rectangular cross-section designed for maximum cargo volume and easy loading of bulky items.
Service History and Legacy
Longevity: The Islander has been in continuous production for over 50 years, with more than 1,200 aircraft built and delivered to operators in over 120 countries.
The Defender: A militarized version known as the BN-2 Defender features underwing hardpoints for sensors, fuel tanks, or light armament, and is used by many small air forces for maritime patrol and counter-insurgency.
Air Ambulance and Police: Its low operating costs and ability to land almost anywhere have made it a favorite for air ambulance services in remote areas and police surveillance units.
Loganair Service: The Islander famously serves the shortest scheduled airline flight in the world—the 1.7-mile hop between Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands, which takes about 90 seconds.
Trislander: The design was further developed into the three-engined BN-2A Mk III Trislander, featuring a stretched fuselage and an additional engine mounted on the vertical stabilizer.