Olsen to provide actuators for Britten-Norman’s Islander

Image courtesy Olsen Actuators and Drives 

The replacement actuator will be applicable to all Britten-Norman Islander Series aircraft. Securing this contract will also allow Olsen Actuators and Drives to further develop and expand its range of actuation systems certified for airworthy applications.

The new airworthy flap actuators, fully designed and manufactured in the UK, will replace legacy units. This upgrade brings enhanced efficiency, precision, and reliability, while also supporting Britten-Norman’s drive toward more sustainable and advanced aviation technologies.

A key innovation behind Olsen Actuators and Drives’ success is its patented roller screw technology, which delivers 30% longer operational life than conventional systems for the same physical size. This technology underpins the new actuators, offering a compact, lightweight, and high-load-capacity solution critical for modern aerospace applications. The transition from the existing units, improves control, and reduces maintenance costs making it an ideal choice for today’s aircraft systems.

Olsen Actuators and Drives also designs DO-160G certified and DO-178 compliant propeller pitch actuators and tilt actuators, showcasing the company’s full in-house UK design and production capability. These solutions meet stringent aerospace standards while supporting the evolving needs of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and next-generation regional aircraft platforms.

In addition to complete actuator systems, Olsen Actuators and Drives supplies a full range of roller screws for aerospace mechanisms. Compared to traditional ball screws, roller screws offer higher load capabilities, smaller mass, and longer service life, making them particularly well-suited for emerging aviation technologies. Many defence and eVTOL companies have already adopted roller screw systems, and this trend is accelerating across civil aviation due to their fuel-saving and weight reduction benefits; therefore, supporting priorities outlined in the Strategic Defence Review around platform modernisation, enhanced energy efficiency, and reducing through-life costs for deployed systems.

Britten-Norman is a global leader in sub-regional aviation and has been continuously producing its flagship aircraft, the Islander, since its first flight in 1965. Circa 1,300 Islanders have been manufactured for customers in more than 100 countries. Known for its rugged design and Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) capability, the Islander plays a critical role in connecting hard-to-reach communities and providing essential transport links. In 2023, Britten-Norman brought production of the aircraft back to the UK from overseas, marking a major step in the company’s renewed commitment to British manufacturing.

Mark Shipp, Technical Director, Britten-Norman, commented: “At Britten-Norman, we are committed to continuously resolving obsolescence and driving performance improvements across our aircraft. The replacement of the existing unit with a mechanical flap actuator, developed by Olsen Actuators and Drives, marks a significant step forward in enhancing control, reliability, and overall operational efficiency.”

Piers Olsen, Chairman, Olsen Actuators and Drives, added: “The aerospace industry is undergoing a transformative shift from hydraulic to electro-mechanical systems, driven by the significant advantages these technologies offer in performance, reliability, and sustainability. We’re look forward to expanding our portfolio of certified actuation systems through this contract, reinforcing our position at the forefront of this evolution."

The airworthy electro-mechanical actuator will be produced at Olsen Actuators and Drives’ North West facility, which supports a broad range of industries with both commercial off-the-shelf and bespoke electromechanical solutions.