Defender

Britten Norman Islander

The Defender is the latest version of the Islander twin turboprop aircraft and is used in a variety of roles.

The Britten-Norman Islander, and later the Defender upgraded version of the aircraft, was introduced into service as a replacement for the ageing Beaver. It is one of two types of fixed-wing aircraft operated by the Army Air Corps. It is usually employed in a surveillance capacity, however it also has a limited use in transporting personnel. This aircraft has been extensively used in Northern Ireland. Other roles include air photography, airborne command post and liaison flying. Notably it contains a full Instrument Flying Procedural and Navigation fit.

In Service Date: 10 Mar 1989
Gross Weight: 7,000 lbs
Engines: 2 x Allison 250 turbo props
Crew: 1 Pilot, 1 Crewman + 6 Passengers
Length: 10.93m
Wingspan: 14.93m
Height: 4.2m
Maximum Speed: 196 Knots
Range: 380 NM