Sumber : Wikipedia

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 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 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.

Contents

 1Development
o 1.1Origins

o 1.2Further development

 1.2.1Electric Project Fresson

o 1.3Trislander

 2Design

 3Operational history

 4Variants

 5Operators

 6Accidents

 7Specifications (BN-2A Islander)

 8See also

 9References

o 9.1Citations

o 9.2Bibliography

 10External links

Development[edit]
Origins[edit]
In 1953, Britten-Norman was formed for the purpose of converting and operating agricultural aircraft,
amongst other vehicles such as the Cushioncraft hovercraft.[3][4] 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.[5] The founders, John Britten[6] 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.[4]
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.[7] 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. [8] The type was originally
intended to use a fabric-and-steel design. A light alloy monocoque approach was adopted instead.
[5]
The structure is designed to give rise to and experience low levels of stress, and has an infinite
fatigue life without testing.[8]

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.[5][9] 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.[5] 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.[10] 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.[5]
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. [3][11] 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. [5] 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. [3][5] 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. [5][12] More
than 500 of the type were manufactured in Romania. [13]
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. [5] 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[edit]
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.[5] 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. [3][14][15]

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.[3] However, Fairey itself 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, at which point some production activity was
transferred back to Bembridge.[3][5]
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 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.
[5]
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. [5]
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. [16] 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.[5][17]
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.[5] 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. [5]
In February 1999, the acquisition of Romaero, the Romanian manufacturer of the Islander, by
Britten-Norman Group was announced. [18][19] By May 2006, a greater sales emphasis was being
placed upon the Defender over the Islander. [20] 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".[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]
Electric Project Fresson[edit]
Main article: Project Fresson
Supported by Britten-Norman, Cranfield Aerospace wants to develop an electric propulsion system
for the over 700 Islanders currently operated.[23]

Trislander[edit]
Main article: Britten-Norman Trislander
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. [5] The
prototype later received further design changes to produce the three-engined version, the BN-2A Mk
III Trislander.[3] This aircraft has a stretched fuselage, modified landing gear and a third engine, which
is mounted on the tail.[5] On 11 September 1970, the Trislander prototype conducted its maiden flight,
appearing at the 1970 Farnborough Air Show the same day.[5]

Design[edit]
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.[5][10][24] 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. [10]
[25]
Often referring to the type as "The world's most versatile aircraft", [24] Britten-Norman promotes the
Islander's low direct operating costs, minimal maintenance, and its stability in flight as major
attributes of the aircraft.[25]
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. [24] 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.[24] 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.[24] For operating within noise-sensitive environments, silencers can be equipped on
both the aircraft's engine and propellers.[26]

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.[5][24] 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.[25] 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.
[24][25]

Operational history[edit]
Immediately following commercial availability, US distributor Jonas Aircraft ordered 30 Islanders, and
placed orders for another 112 aircraft within a year. [5][8] 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.[5] The Islander's long-range capabilities were highlighted
when the type won the 1969 London-Sydney air race.[5]
In 1974, sales of the Islander surpassed the 548-order record for British multi-engine commercial
aircraft.[5] In 1982, another production milestone was reached with the delivery of the 1,000th
Islander.[5] 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 in more than 120 countries.[24]
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.[27] 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 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.[28][29][30]
Several commuter airlines and general aviation charter operators in the U.S. also flew the Islander
including Stol Air Commuter in scheduled passenger service in northern California from their San
Francisco International Airport (SFO) hub and Channel Islands Aviation in southern California which
used the aircraft for the flights to Channel Islands National Park.[31][32] Another U.S. commuter airline
operator was Wings Airways which operated high frequency shuttle service into the Philadelphia
International Airport (PHL).[33]
By October 2019, 800 Islanders were in service including around 600 used for short flights. [34]

Variants[edit]
Source:[35]
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

A Maltese Air Force

Islander

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 9 passengers.
 Isl
an
de
r
C
C
2
of
th
e
R
A
F

I
s
l
a
n
d
e
r
A
L
1
Variant of the BN-2T for communications and reconnaissance duties with the British Army;
seven built. Used for aerial reconnaissance and photography in Northern
Ireland during Operation Banner by No. 1 Flight, Army Air Corps based at Aldergrove.
[36]
Redesignated Islander R1 in 2019 after being transferred to the Royal Air Force.[37]
Isl
an
de
r
C
C2
an
d
C
 C2
A
Variant of the BN-2T for the Royal Air Force; three operated.[38][39][40] These aircraft were retired
from the RAF in 2017.[41]
Mariti
me-
Defen
der
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.

Operato
rs[edit]
Main
article: List of
Britten-
Norman
Islander
operators

 Angola
 Bahrai
n

 Antigu
a and
Barbuda

 Austral
ia

 Baham
as

 Belgiu
m

 Belize

 Botswa
na

 Brazil

 British
Virgin
Islands
 Burma
/ Myanmar

 Cambo
dia

 Canad
a

 Central
African
Republic

 Chile

 Costa
Rica

 Ciskei

 Colom
bia

 Cyprus

 Denma
rk

 Democr
atic
Republic of
the Congo

 Ecuad
or

 Estoni
a

 Falklan
d Islands

 Fiji

 Finland

 France

 Gambi
a

 Germa
ny

 Ghana
 Greece

 Guyan
a

 Haiti

 Hondur
as

 Hong
Kong

 Iceland

 India

 Indone
sia

 Iraq

 Ireland

 Israel

 Italy

 Jamaic
a

 Japan

 Jordan

 Kiribati

 Madag
ascar

 Mali

 Malawi

 Malays
ia

 Malta

 Maurit
ania

 Mauriti
us
 Mexico

 Nepal

 Netherl
ands

 Netherl
ands
Antilles

 New
Zealand

 Oman

 Panam
a

 Pakista
n

 Peru

 Philippi
nes

 Portug
al

 Puerto
Rico

 Qatar

 Rhode
sia

 Roman
ia

 Rwand
a

 Saint
Vincent
and the
Grenadines

 Saint
Kitts and
Nevis

 Samoa
 Seneg
al

 Seych
elles

 Somali
a

 South
Africa

 Surina
me

 Taiwan

 Thailan
d

 United
Arab
Emirates (
Abu
Dhabi)

 United
Kingdom

 United
States

 Vanuat
u

 Venez
uela

 Zaire

 Zambi
a

 Zimba
bwe

Accident
s[edit]
2005 Loganair
Islander
accident Wreckag

 1996
Loganair
Islander
accident
 2005
Loganair
Islander
accident

 2005 L.A.B.
Flying
Service
accident

 2016
Sunbird
Aviation
crash

Specifica
tions
(BN-2A
Islander
)[edit]

Front view, on
ground
Side view, on grou

Planform view,
showing low aspe
ratio wing

Inflight front view

from below

Data from The

Observer's Book
of Aircraft,
Britten-Norman,
[24]
Flying[1]

General
characterist
ics

 Crew: 1 or
2
 Capacity:
up to 9
passengers

 Length: 35
ft 8 in
(10.86 m)

 Wingspan:
49 ft (14.94
m)

 Height: 13
ft 9 in (4.18
m)

 Wing
area: 325
ft2 (30.2 m2)

 Aspect
ratio: 7.39

 Empty
weight: 3,6
75 lb
(1,667 kg)

 Loaded
weight: Up
to 6,600 lb
(BN2A-20
onwards)
(2,994 kg)

 Max.
takeoff
weight: 6,6
00 lb
(2,994 kg)

 Powerplan
t: 2
× Lycoming
O-540-
E4C5
or IO-540,
260 hp or
300 hp
if fuel
injected (19
5 kW) each
Performanc
e

Maximum
speed: 170
mph (147
knots,
273 km/h)

Cruise
speed: 160
mph (139
knots,
257 km/h)

Stall
speed: 40
mph (35
knots,
64 km/h)

Minimum
controllabl
e
speed: 45
mph (39
knots,
72 km/h)

Range: 87
4 miles
(756 nm,
1,400 km)

Service
ceiling: 13,
200 ft
(4,024 m)

Rate of
climb: 970
ft/min (295
m/min)

Wing
loading: 2
0 lb/ft2 (99
kg/m2)

Takeoff
run: 215 m

Fuel
consumpti
on: 90 l
 (24 US gal)
/h at 133 kn
(246 km/h),
80 l
(21 US gal)
/h at 119 kn
(220 km/h).
[42]

See also