Following on from their recent Britten-Norman Islander, lead developer Ulrich Oetzel over at TorqueSim, has just announced that their next release is going to be the turbine version Of the previously released BN-2B-26 Islander, with a release being very close.
The Britten-Norman Islander, initially developed by famed British aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman back in 1965, is considered a light regional utility aircraft. With most versions of the plane featuring STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) capabilities and accommodating up to 9 passengers, the Islander continues to prove a favorite among regional carriers and charter operators operating in and out of airstrips that feature narrow and short runways.
Having accumulated significant experience during the development of their previously released BN-2B-26 Islander, developer TorqueSim is now in the process of finalizing their rendition of the turbine-engined BN-2T version of the airframe. According to the developer, although loosely based on their already released BN-2B airframe, the BN-2T is set to be a completely new aircraft. The BN-2T will benefit from improved 3D modeling and texturing, better UV mapping, much-improved flight characteristics, and aerodynamics, as well as a markedly revamped exterior model.
Additionally, the release of the more powerful turbine version of the Islander is set to coincide with the publication of the developers V1.2 update for the already released piston-driven BN-2B version. According to the developer, the majority of the new features introduced with the turbine-powered BN-2T will also come to benefit its piston-powered cousin. The developer has assured readers that existing repaints will remain compatible with the updated version of the non-turbine BN-2B.
Finally, Ulrich has invited community members to share their impressions and opinion on TorqueSim’s discord channel and has indicated that a release of both the BN-2T Expansion and the V1.2 update to the already existing piston-driven BN-2B, is foreseen for the near future. Whether the BN-2T will be offered for free to existing customers or whether it will be published in the form of a paid expansion is, as of yet, unclear.
We will keep you posted regarding the eventual release of the aircraft. In the meanitme, additional information and preview images regarding TorqueSim’s upcoming BN-2T Turbine Islander, can be found in their recent blog post.
