Britten-Norman: A Proud History of Aircraft Manufacturing in the UK

Britten-Norman is a British aircraft manufacturer that has been producing high-quality aircraft for over 60 years. Founded in 1953 by John Britten and Desmond Norman, the company has a rich history of innovation and excellence in the field of aviation.

The company's most iconic aircraft is undoubtedly the Britten-Norman Islander, a versatile twin-engine utility aircraft that has been in production since the 1960s. The Islander was designed as a rugged, reliable aircraft that could operate in a variety of challenging environments, from remote islands to urban centers. Today, the Islander is used for a wide range of applications, including air taxi, cargo transport, surveillance, and even passenger service in some regions.

In addition to the Islander, Britten-Norman has also produced other notable aircraft, such as the Trislander, a larger variant of the Islander with three engines, and the Defender, a military transport aircraft. The company is known for its expertise in designing and building aircraft that are well-suited to operating in remote or difficult locations, such as island communities or mountainous regions.

Britten-Norman has its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Bembridge, on the Isle of Wight. The company's manufacturing process is highly efficient and uses advanced technologies to produce aircraft that meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The company also provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for its own aircraft as well as those of other manufacturers.

For those interested in purchasing a Britten-Norman aircraft, the Islander and Trislander models are often available for sale. Prices for new Islander aircraft vary depending on the specific model and configuration, but typically range from several million to tens of millions of pounds. Used Islander aircraft can sometimes be found for less than a million pounds, depending on age, condition, and other factors.

Britten-Norman in the Movies

Britten-Norman has also had a significant presence in popular culture over the years. Perhaps most famously, the company's Islander aircraft was prominently featured in the James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun," where it was flown by the villainous Francisco Scaramanga. This exposure helped to increase the Islander's profile and cement its reputation as a rugged, reliable aircraft that could handle even the most challenging of situations.

Overall, Britten-Norman has a long and proud history of aircraft manufacturing in the UK. The company's commitment to quality, innovation, and excellence has made it a leading name in the aviation industry, and its aircraft continue to be in high demand around the world. Whether you're in need of a reliable air taxi, cargo transport, or military aircraft, Britten-Norman is a name that you can trust.