Iconic Trislander at Solent Sky Museum in Southampton

The Britten-Norman Trislander, a three-engine regional airliner, has joined Solent Sky Museum's collection.

The Trislander, built on the Isle of Wight, is one of the most distinctive aircraft in British aerospace heritage.

The newly unveiled Trislander G-RLON served on the Southampton to Channel Island routes for many years before being retired in February 2017.

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With its high-wing design and third engine mounted on the tail, G-RLON was a familiar sight in Southampton's skies.

The 18-seater aircraft has clocked up more than 32,600 flying hours over its 42-year career – equivalent to flying non-stop for 1,358 days – and made stands at 105,130 landings.

Alan Jones, director of Solent Sky Museum, said: "This aircraft is a symbol of British engineering ingenuity.

"The Trislander was designed just a short distance away on the Isle of Wight, and we're incredibly proud to showcase this unique aircraft as an example of the Solent's contribution to aviation history."

The aircraft being moved on site (Image: Trevor Morecraft)

Britten-Norman Aircraft built Trislanders between 1971 and 1982, and many were bought by Aurigny, which operates passenger and freight services between the Channel Islands, northern France, and the UK.

It was acquired by the museum in 2017 and was kept in off-site storage, with the museum saying it needed to make room for the craft

The Trislander joins a collection of more than 20 aircraft at Solent Sky, which chronicles the region’s extraordinary role in aviation, from the Supermarine Spitfire to flying boats and jet fighters.

READ MORE: Iconic aircraft to join fleet at Solent Sky Museum

(Image: Ian Haskell)

Over the coming months, museum volunteers will renovate the Trislander and then open it to visitors, who will be able to view the aircraft up close, learn about its history, and sit in the pilot's seat.

Solent Sky Museum is located in the heart of Southampton and celebrates the South's aviation heritage with an extensive collection of aircraft and exhibits.

It tells the story of local innovation, particularly that of Supermarine and other pioneering companies that helped shape the course of aviation worldwide.

Facts about G-RLON

• The aircraft has completed more flights than any other Aurigny Trislander.
• RLON stands for Royal London Insurance. The eye-catching pink colour scheme it used to sport advertised their brand.
• Type: Britten-Norman Mk3 Trislander
• Year of Manufacture: 1975
• Entered service with Aurigny: February 1975
• Total flying hours of the aircraft: 32,604.45
• Total Landings: 105,130