NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The concept of the Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander originated in 1963. It was to be an economical short haul transport that could operate out of relatively tight spaces, and withstand the rigors of intense operations. It would seat up to ten, including the pilot.
The BN-2 first flew in 1965. It was upgraded through the years with more powerful engines,
additional streamlining, quieter propellers, leading edge slats to generate more lift, longer wings, and the ability to carry larger payloads longer distances. These improvements have helped the Islander become one of the most widely used light twin engine aircraft throughout Europe.
A widely spaced under carriage for extra stability, two wheels per main axle, with large, low pressure tires, and extra prop clearance give the Islander the ability to fly from unpaved runways as short as 1,150 feet in length. Extra large door openings and a low floor facilitate loading and unloading of cargo.
In addition to cargo and passenger transport, Islander aircraft are used as hospital transports, as aerial photographic platforms, by parachutists, and police departments.
The military of numerous nations throughout the world employ the aircraft for training, troop and cargo hauling, light airborne paratrooper assault, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Four British military versions of the Islander have served as observer aircraft in Iraq starting in 2003. They continued to serve through at least December of 2007.
In addition to Great Britain, the Islander has been produced, under license, in Belgium, the Philippines, and Romania.
Over 1,250 Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander aircraft of all types have been produced to date.
transport
nine plus pilot
Lycoming IO-540-K1B5
2 x 300 hp. ea.
35' 8”
49' 0”
4,350 lbs.
6,600 lbs.
130 gallons
155 mph
175 mph
1,130 fpm
17,200 feet
700 miles
1965
Radio Control Airplane
A rc BN-2 Islander ARF by GWS.
Radio Control Airplanes:
Pictured
above is the rc Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander ARF for sale by GWS. It has a wingspan of 36 1/2" and uses a pair of 280 motors. We can not find the model on the GWS website, but see it is still for sale in a number of places.
Scale Model Plans has plans for a giant scale rc Britten Norman Islander with a 96" wingspan and a 68" length. It needs .60 engines for power and weighs around 10 lbs.
Traplet Publications has plans for sale for a 72" wingspan rc Britten Norman Islander. Power comes from a pair of Speed 600 type motors. Weight is about 101 oz.
The AMA Plans Service has plans for a rc BN-2 Islander. Wingspan is 78" and length is 52" You will need .30 engines for power. The plan number is 22646.
The first picture below is of the rc Britten Norman Islander ARF made by Graupner. It has a wingspan of 46" with a length of 32" and uses Speed 300 motors.
The next picture is of a Nexus Plans rc Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander made into a kit by Kit Cutters. Wingspan is 84", length is 57", and weight is about 8.5 lbs.
Recommended power is a pair of .30 to .40 two cycle engines.
The bottom picture is of a rc Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander for sale from Cermark. It has a wingspan of 72" and has been powered with a pair of Astro 15 motors or O.S. .26 four cycle engines.
Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander
