Britten-Norman Islander

Islander
Role Utility aircraft/Airliner
Manufacturer Britten-Norman
Designer John Britten, Desmond Norman
First flight 13 June 1965
Status Active service
Produced 1965–present
Number built 1,280
Unit cost
$53,000 (1968)[1]
Variants Britten-Norman Trislander
Britten-Norman Defender

The Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander is a 1960s British light utility aircraft, regional airliner and cargo aircraft 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 also used by the British Army and police forces in the United Kingdom and is a light transport with over 30 military aviation operators around the world.

Initial aircraft were manufactured at Britten-Norman's factory in the 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.

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 single and inexpensive twin-piston engine aircraft.[4] The founder, John Britten 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.[5] 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.[6] The type was originally intended to use a fabric-and-steel design before adopting a light alloy monocoque approach instead.[4] The structure is designed for low stress levels with an infinite fatigue life without testing.[6]

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][7] 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.[8] 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][9] 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][10] More than 500 of the type were manufactured in Romania.[11]

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 capitalising on the aircraft's rugged structure, making it suitable for long-term operations in developing countries. Purchases from police and military customers has typically centered on 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.[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][12][13]

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 itself encountered financial difficulty, resulting in the Fairey Britten-Norman company entering receivership and the firm's acquisition by Oerlikon Buerle of Sweden, leading to the formation of Pilatus Britten-Norman, at which point some production activity was transferred back to Bembridge.[2][4]

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 re-engined 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.[14] 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][15]

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.[16][17] 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".[18] 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.[19] By May 2006, a greater sales emphasis was being placed upon the Defender over the Islander.[20]

Trislander

In 1968, the original second Islander prototype was re-used for a further development program, being modified into a stretched aircraft with greater capacity, referred to as the Super Islander. However, the Super Islander program 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 that the 1970 Farnborough Air Show that 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][8][21] The rectangular cross section fuselage, which is furnished with a conventional tail unit and fixed tricycle landing gear, typically accommodates a single pilot and up to nine passengers in a commuter configuration, each row being accessed by its own door; the cabin can be rapidly reconfigured, allowing for a single aircraft to undertake a diverse range of tasks within a minimal period of time.[8][22] Often referring to the type as "The world's most versatile aircraft",[21] Britten-Norman promotes the Islander's low direct operating costs, minimal maintenance, and its stability in flight as major attributes of the aircraft.[22]

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.[21] 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.[21] 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.[21] For operating within noise-sensitive environments, silencers can be equipped on both the aircraft's engine and propellers.[23]

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][21] 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.[22] 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.[21][22]

Operational history

Immediately following commercial availability, US distributor Jonas Aircraft ordered 30 Islanders, and placed orders for another 112 aircraft within the space of a year.[4][6] 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.[20] As of 2016, Britten-Norman claim that the Islander is in daily service with roughly 500 operators spread across more than 120 countries.[21]

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.[24] The Islander is known for servicing the two airports joined by the shortest scheduled flight in the world. Operated as a leg of Loganair's inter-island service, Loganair Flight 353, the distance is from Papa Westray Airport to Westray Airport is only 1.7 mi (2.7 km), and the scheduled flight time including taxiing is two minutes.[25][26][27]

Variants

[28]

BN-2
Prototype first flown in 1966 with two 260 hp 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 300 hp 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 260 hp 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 270 hp Lycoming TIO-540-H1A (turbo-charged, fuel injected) engines.
BN-2A-20
A BN-2A-2 with increased takeoff weight and minor improvements.
BN-2A-21
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.
BN-2A-27
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.
Britten-Norman BN-2B Defender
Defender military variant with 300 hp 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.
BN-2B-26
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 320 shp Allison 250-B17C turboprops. Seating for up to 11 passengers[29]
Islander AL.Mk 1
Twin-engined communications, reconnaissance aircraft for the British Army; seven built. Used for aerial reconnaissance and photography in Northern Ireland during Operation Banner. They were part of No. 1 Flight, Army Air Corps and were based at Aldergrove.[30]
Islander CC.Mk 2 and CC.Mk 2A
Twin-engined communications aircraft for the RAF; three operated.[31][32][33]
Maritime-Defender
Armed maritime reconnaissance and patrol aircraft.
BN-2A-III Trislander
Three engined Trislander, a stretched BN-2A with 18 seats and three 260 hp Lycoming O-540-E4C5 piston engines.

Operators

Accidents

2005 Loganair Islander accident Wreckage

Specifications (BN-2A Islander)

Front view, on ground
Planform view, showing low aspect ratio wing
Inflight front view from below

Data from The Observer's Book of Aircraft, Britten-Norman,[21] Flying Magazine[1]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 Fricker 1968, p. 77.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Simpson 1991, p. 77.
  3. 1 2 Fricker 1968, p. 75.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Goold, Ian. "Britten-Norman Islander celebrates 40th anniversary." AIN Online, 16 October 2006.
  5. ↑ Fricker 1968, pp. 75-76.
  6. 1 2 3 Fricker 1968, p. 76.
  7. ↑ Green 1976, p. 52.
  8. 1 2 3 Orbis 1985, p. 992.
  9. ↑ Fricker, John. "Foreign Accent." Flying Magazine, December 1968. Vol. 83, No. 6. ISSN 0015-4806. p. 26.
  10. ↑ Hamilton-Paterson 2010, p. 255.
  11. ↑ "Romaero". Romaero. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  12. ↑ "Avions Fairey Gosselies & Sonaca: a Tips of genie." Belgian Aircraft History Association, Retrieved: 25 March 2016.
  13. ↑ Fricker, John. "Past and Present." Flying Magazine, September 1977. Vol. 101, No. 3. ISSN 0015-4806. p. 271.
  14. ↑ Hirst, Mike. "Building the quiet Islander." Flight International, 16 July 1977. p. 210.
  15. ↑ "Reporting Points." Flying Magazine, October 1977. ISSN 0015-4806. p. 25.
  16. ↑ "Britten-Norman takes over Romania's Romaero." Aviation Week, 8 February 1999.
  17. ↑ "Britten-Norman enjoys new Romanian rhapsody." Flight International, 14 June 1999.
  18. ↑ Kingsley-Jones, Max. "Final landing: A history of the UK aircraft industry (or 'Why Britain botched building airliners')." Flight International, 22 December 2006.
  19. ↑ Morrison, Murdo. "Britten-Norman brings production back to the UK." Flight International, 28 May 2010.
  20. 1 2 Morrison, Murdo. "Great Britten." Flight International, 20 June 2006.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Islands: The World's Most Versatile Aircraft." Britten Norman, Retrieved: 25 March 2016.
  22. 1 2 3 4 "Islander." Britten Norman, Retrieved: 25 March 2016.
  23. ↑ "Pilatus Britten-Norman will adopt Islander silencer." Flight International, 7 January 1998.
  24. ↑ Lowton, Edward. "“At what altitude did you have your baby?” National Museum of Flight seeks mothers who gave birth midflight." Culture 24, 16 June 2015.
  25. ↑ "Getting here is easy, by sea or air." Westray and Papa Westray, Retrieved: 25 March 2016.
  26. ↑ "Final trip for Orkney shortest flight pilot." BBC News, 23 May 2013.
  27. ↑ Kaminski-Morrow, David. "VIDEO: Loganair brings back 'world's shortest' flight." Flight International, 28 February 2011.
  28. ↑ Simpson 1991, pp. 78–79.
  29. ↑ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident PADC/Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2T Islander P2-SBC Kiunga Airport (UNG)".
  30. ↑ Ripley and Chappel 1993, p. 30.
  31. ↑ Lake 2008, pp. 44–45.
  32. ↑ "Islander BN2T CC Mk2." 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.
  33. ↑ Lake 2008, pp. 45—46.

Bibliography

  • Fricker, John. "The Britten-Norman Islander." Flying Magazine, April 1968. Vol. 82, No. 4. ISSN 0015-4806. pp. 75–77.
  • Green, William. The Observer's Book of Aircraft. London. Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd., 1976. ISBN 0-7232-1553-7.
  • Hamilton-Paterson, James. Empire of the Clouds: When Britain's Aircraft Ruled the World. Faber & Faber, 2010. ISBN 0-5712-7173-1.
  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). London: Orbis Publishing, 1985.
  • Lake, Jon. "Aircraft of the RAF - Part 8 Islander." Air International, Vol 75 Number 6, December 2008, pp. 44–46.
  • Ripley, Tim and Chappel, Mike. Security forces in Northern Ireland (1969-92). Osprey, 1993. ISBN 1-8553-2278-1.
  • Simpson, R.W. Airlife's General Aviation. London: Airlife Publishing, 1991, p. 190. ISBN 1-85310-194-X.
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