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Bob Taylor's Britten-Norman "Islander"

Photos and text by Doug Mills

Photo courtesy of Britten-Norman Corporation

After a disappointing experience with his Ziroli DC-3, Bob decided what he needed is a large model plane capable of landing at a much slower speed. Such a plane would require a slower stall speed and a lighter wing loading in order to land safely on the FMAC field. Lou Costlow suggested either the Islander or the Aero Commander. Both planes met Bob's requirements, but where do you find plans for these planes? After many phone calls and searches on the Internet he concluded that there are none available. Lou then offered to let Bob use a set of Mark Frankel plans that were included with a partially built 7 ft. Islander that Lou had purchased at a flea market several years earlier. To be useable, the plans would have to be enlarged by a professional printing service - at a considerable price.

Just for kicks, I posted a want ad on 4 R/C websites, and within a week, received a response from a fellow modeler who had taken the Frankel plans, modified them with a CAD program so that he could build a 9 1/2 ft. version of the Islander-------and he made them available on CD-ROM. I contacted a buddy of mine who is a computer draftsman and he said he could take the CAD file and enlarge it 131% to give Bob his needed 12 ft. (actual 12 1/2 ft.) wingspan. Not only that, his printer accepted 3 ft by 5 ft paper and could print a copy for us for the cost of the paper. Perfect. Bob got a copy of the CD, had them enlarged and printed, and began building . The plans worked O.K. for a 9 ft model, but several modifications had to be made due to the increased size and weight.

Let's look at the specs: Wingspan: 150 in. (12 1/2 ft., built in three 4 ft. sections for portability), Fuse length: 102 in. (8 1/2 ft.), Wing cord: 21 in., Cord height: 3 1/2 in., Wing style: Semi-symmetrical, Wing area: 21 sq. ft., Wing loading: approx. 34 oz/sq. ft., Estimated weight: around 43 lbs, Functions: Rudder, elevator, flaps, ailerons, throttle. Basic construction: 1/8 in. ply, balsa, light ply, and fabric covering, Finish: dope and acrylic latex, Servos: 9 metal and one nylon gear, Wing tubes: telescoping aluminum, Engines: 2 US41's, Gear: Custom built shock absorbing, fixed main, steer-able nose, made from 6061-T6 aluminum with 3 1/2 in. travel recoil shocks, Wheels: Dual 5 1/2" mains and nose, Fuel tank: 50 oz gas, Props: two 18X6, Radio: Hi-Tech PCM.

The first group of photos (taken on April 15, 2003) show the result of about three months planning, obtaining materials, and building. More photos to follow as work progresses.

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The next group of photos show about 6 weeks of progress. The plane was assembled to check weight and balance, and for photographs. Note the scratch-built nose gear assembly. The plane is almost ready to cover and paint.

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The plane was completed and ground tested around the first week in August. There are no more "in progress" photos available. Many were taken, however cameras are not smart enough to tell the operator to insert a roll of film. (Maybe a gremlin stole it)

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Here is the Islander near completion. All that's left to do is install the windshield and spinners and go fly it!

There is no planned date to fly the monster yet. We are waiting for good weather, an experienced pilot, finding a looooong runway, and lots of nerve, etc. etc. etc. I'm certain there will be a LOADED camera on hand when we do.

This page was last updated on 03/21/04 .
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