Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander

Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander
Country	UK
Role	Utility aircraft/airliner
First flight	13 June 1965
Built	1280

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.

Source: Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander on Wikipedia

Britten-Norman BN-2A ‘Islander’ Walk Around
Photographer	Ondrej Skarka
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	25

Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander 01

Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander 02

Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander 03

Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander 04

Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander 05

Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander 06

Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander 07

Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander 08

Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander 09

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BN Islander Walk Around
Photographer	Unknow Unknow
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	20

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	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	Britten-Norman
Entered Service	1967 (BN-2), 1969 (BN-2A)
Crew	1 or 2
Passenger Capacity	Up to 9 passengers
Length	10.86 m (35 ft 8 in)
Wingspan	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.