Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2A Mk III Trislander

The Britten-Norman BN-2A Mk III Trislander is a stretched, three-engined development of the BN-2 Islander, designed to increase passenger capacity while retaining short-field performance. A distinctive third engine was mounted at the base of the vertical tail fin, giving the aircraft its unusual appearance. The type was developed by Britten-Norman on the Isle of Wight and first flew in 1970. The Trislander was well suited to inter-island and short-haul regional operations, particularly in the Caribbean, the Channel Islands, and Pacific island chains, where short runways and high frequencies were common requirements. Its simple piston powerplant made maintenance straightforward in remote locations. Production ended in the 1980s after around 73 aircraft were built. The type continues to operate in small numbers with regional carriers, though the fleet has dwindled significantly over the decades. Pilatus Britten-Norman, the current brand holder, has at times explored restarting production or offering updated variants.