1965 to the Present.
First flown in 1965 the 10 passenger BN-2 Islander light transport has been sold all over the world, with 1100+ built. Licence production was granted to Roumania and the Philippines. Many small airlines operate the type here in the U.K. and across the world as the islander.
The aircraft BN-2A-85 Islander was popular for island hopping and getting into small landing strips, because of its early development and Lycoming piston engine choice, it was able to take a market demand for the type. Speed is about 257km/hr (154mph) and range about 1400km (840miles).
Later military versions came under the name Defender or where known as the BN-2-T Turbine. The Allison turboprops were the option here. Under wing hard points can be fitted to take 7.62mm machine guns and various small bombs and or rocket pods.
The Jamaican Air Defence Corps operate both civil and military types and they are used in anti-drug operations in the Caribbean Sea. Meanwhile one is used civil airlines east to west-coast daily flights along with one with a Tris-lander. The former Royal Ulster Constabulary also operated one type for high flight mapping and data gathering operating from Sydenham (Now George Best Belfast City Airport).
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