BN.2A-21 Islander G-OBNL Fairford 2007The Britten-Norman Islander (also known as the BN-2) is a light utility aircraft, mainline airliner and cargo aircraft manufactured by Britten-Norman of the United Kingdom. The Islander is the best-selling commercial aircraft type produced in Western Europe.
Design of the Islander started in 1963 and the first prototype BN-2 first flew on 13 June 1965, with the second prototype on 20 August 1966. Both of these had engines that were less powerful than the production versions. The first production Islander first flew on 24 April 1967.
An improved version, the BN-2A Islander, first flew in 1969. It incorporated aerodynamic and flight equipment improvements as well as changes to the baggage arrangements.
The Defender, a military version of the Islander, first flew on 20 May 1970.
The Maritime Defender is another military version of the Islander, intended for search and rescue, coastal patrol and fishery protection.
In 1978 a further improved version, the BN-2B Islander II was introduced. Improvements included increased carrying capacity and propeller modifications to reduce noise levels. Options included a long-nosed version for increased baggage capacity, raked wingtip auxiliary fuel tanks and twin Allison 250-B17C turboprop engines. When the latter are installed the aircraft is designated the BN-2T Turbine Islander.
An attempt to develop an Islander with a larger capacity resulted in the BN-2A Mk III Trislander. This aircraft has a stretched fuselage, modified landing gear and a third (tail-mounted) engine. The prototype was constructed from the original second BN-2 prototype and flew on 11 September 1970.
A number of companies in addition to Britten-Norman have manufactured the Islander. IRMA from Romania has been building the aircraft since 1969, while a factory, the SONACA (Fairey)[1], in Gosselies, Belgium has been building it since 1973. It has also been assembled in the Philippines.
Picture added on 14 August 2007
