Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander
Britten-Norman · United Kingdom · first flew 1965 · light aircraft
The Britten-Norman Islander is a rugged, high-wing twin-piston utility aircraft designed for short-field commuter and light cargo work.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | slab-sided, boxy fuselage under a strut-braced high wing |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- slab-sided, boxy fuselage under a strut-braced high wing
- two wing-mounted piston engines with fixed tricycle gear
- large square cabin windows along a short, stubby fuselage
A boxy, unglamorous fuselage under a strut-braced high wing, with two piston engines and fixed undercarriage, is unmistakable among light twins.
Specifications
- The Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander has a length of 10.86 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.94 m (49 ft).
- Typical crew: 1-2 pilots.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Conceived as a cheap, simple replacement for ageing piston twins, the Islander first flew in 1965 and became one of Britain's best-selling post-war aircraft, prized for its short-field performance and low operating costs.
Variants
The stretched three-engine Trislander and the military Defender derivative both grew from the basic Islander airframe.
Where you'll see it
It remains in worldwide service on short inter-island and commuter routes, and with military, coastguard and skydiving operators.
Related aircraft
- Britten-Norman BN-2B Islander
- Britten-Norman BN-2B Defender
- Britten-Norman Trislander
- BN-2T Turbine Islander
- Aerotec A-122 Uirapuru
- Cessna 188 AgWagon
- Cessna 421 Golden Eagle
- Fuji FA-200 Aero Subaru
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