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Robin Aircraft
Robin Aircraft
from Wikipedia

Robin Aircraft is a French manufacturer of light aircraft. It succeeds to Centre-Est Aéronautique, Avions Pierre Robin and Apex Aircraft (Avions Robin and Robin Aviation).

Key Information

History

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Centre-Est Aéronautique was formed by Pierre Robin and Jean Délémontez, the principal designer of Jodel aircraft, in October 1957. It began manufacturing aircraft at Darois, near Dijon, France.

The first aircraft was designed by Robin and Délémontez. It was based on the D10, a four-seater designed by Édouard Joly and Délémontez at Jodel, that was shelved when work on the Jodel D11 became more urgent. In collaboration with Robin it became the 'Jodel Robin'. It later became the DR100 model (Jodel's models all had D followed by a number). Robin and Délémontez continued to upgrade the design between 1957 and 1972.

The DR100 range was succeeded by the DR200 range. Production continued in November 1970 under the name Avions Pierre Robin.

Robin AircraftApex Aircraft

The Robin DR400 first flew in 1972 and is still in production. It has a tricycle undercarriage and can carry 4 people. The DR aircraft have the 'cranked wing' configuration, in which the dihedral angle of the outer wing is much greater than the inboard, a configuration which they share with Jodel aircraft. The best known today is the popular DR400, which is a wooden sport monoplane, conceived by Pierre Robin and Jean Délémontez.

The Robin HR200 had a different designer, Chris Heintz, and is fully metallic unlike the wooden DR series. It is a light aerobatic aircraft aimed at flight training. The Robin R2000 series was developed from the HR200 and is produced as the Alpha 2000 by Alpha Aviation in Hamilton, New Zealand, since 2004.

Avions Pierre Robin was acquired by Apex Aircraft of France in 1988. Aircraft continued to be manufactured at Darois under the names Avions Robin and Robin Aviation.

By 2008, about half of the production were fitted with diesel engines supplied by Thielert. Thielert went into liquidation because of alleged fraud, cutting off the engine supply to Apex Aircraft. Thielert were taken over by a receiver, and the price of engines and parts was increased. This pushed the price of finished aircraft too high for the market to bear, with the result that Apex Aircraft went into liquidation in 2008[citation needed]. CEAPR, based in the same premises at Darois and responsible for making the components for Apex Aircraft, continued to supply parts[citation needed].

Aircraft manufacturing resumed in May 2011 under the name Robin Aircraft. (All type certificates are held by CEAPR.)

The company offers the DR401 aircraft, a DR400 upgraded with a glass cockpit, larger cockpit, electric trim and flaps, and available with several engine options.

The company also offers the aerobatic aircraft CAP 10C NG, an updated version of the Mudry CAP 10.[1] The type certificate was transferred to CEAPR in 2015, and the first aircraft was delivered in 2021.

Robin Aircraft reported bonding issues in seven batches of DR400 wing spars in December 2022. Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2022-0267-E was issued by EASA on 27 December 2022.[2] This EAD was reviewed by EASA following submission of data that showed that all the wing spars exceeded their design specification. The Airworthiness Directive was finally cancelled on 12 June 2024.[3] In their Cancellation Notice, EASA stated: "investigations carried out have shown that the bonding of the main wing spars…is acceptable and does not constitute an unsafe condition".

The EAD nevertheless precipitated Robin Aircraft being placed in safeguard on 22 February 2023, in receivership on 12 September 2023 and in liquidation on 16 November 2023.[4]

In December 2023, however, CEAPR re-hired half of the Robin Aircraft company's workforce to resume production of Robin and CAP aircraft. CEAPR already made or bought all the components for Robin and CAP aircraft and owns the land and the buildings at the facility in Darois, the Type Certificates and the Robin Aircraft name. CEAPR has Part APDOA, Part CAO and Part 21G. It has been operating in Darois for over sixty years with a core business of design and approvals, parts manufacture and maintenance.[5] CEAPR was granted a Production Approval Certificate by the DGAC on 24 September 2024 for the manufacture of new aircraft.[6]

Aircraft

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Robin DR401 155CDI
Robin DR401 155CDI IFR panel
Robin HR200 120B
Robin DR400 EcoFlyer 135CDI

The DR401, with a wider cabin and electric flaps and trim, was introduced at AERO Friedrichshafen on 9 April 2014.

References

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from Grokipedia
Robin Aircraft was a French manufacturer of light , renowned for its wood-and-fabric construction techniques and designs optimized for training, touring, and sport flying. Founded in 1957 by aeronautical enthusiasts Pierre Robin and Jean Délémontez as Centre-Est Aéronautique (CEA) at the Darois airfield near , the company evolved into a leading European producer of single-engine monoplanes, delivering over 4,500 before its liquidation in November 2023. The company's origins trace back to Pierre Robin's experience as a and owner of the Aéroclub de la , where he sought to create affordable, high-performance aircraft for aero clubs. Initial designs built on Jodel-inspired wooden structures, with the DR.100 Ambassador first flying in 1958 as CEA's first model, followed by the DR.200 and DR.300 series in the 1960s. Renamed Avions Pierre Robin in 1969, the firm introduced metal-construction aircraft like the HR.100 in the late 1970s while maintaining its signature wooden traditions. Ownership changes marked its later history, including a sale in 1988 to the Compagnie Française Chaufour Investissement and resumption of production under the Robin Aircraft name in 2012 after a period of dormancy. Among its most notable products was the DR.400 series, which first flew in 1972 and entered serial production that year, featuring a forward-sliding canopy, landing gear, and configurations for up to four seats. Over 3,000 DR.400/401 variants were built, making it a staple in European and a symbol of the company's commitment to lightweight, responsive handling. Other key models included the two-seat R.2000 trainer and the aerobatic CAP 10, contributing to Robin's reputation for versatile, club-oriented aircraft. The firm's emphasis on customization persisted into the 2010s, with modern updates like diesel-engine options for the DR.401. Robin Aircraft's decline culminated in financial difficulties exacerbated by a 2023 (EASA) airworthiness directive addressing spar issues in the DR.400, which halted sales and led to bankruptcy proceedings; the directive was revoked in June 2024 after verification of compliance. A French commercial court ordered its on November 16, 2023, ending operations for the company itself. However, production of new and remanufactured Robin aircraft resumed in December 2023 under the affiliated Centre Est Avions Pierre Robin (CEAPR), which holds the type certificates and continues manufacturing, parts, and maintenance services as of 2025. Pierre Robin, who passed away in 2020 at age 92, left a legacy of innovative designs that influenced generations of enthusiasts.

Overview

Company Profile

Robin Aircraft, originally established as Centre-Est Aéronautique in 1957, is a French manufacturer dedicated to the production of light . Following a court-ordered in November 2023, production resumed in December 2023 under the affiliated Centre Est Avions Pierre Robin (CEAPR), operating as "Robin by CEAPR" with ongoing manufacturing at the Darois facility. The company has maintained a focus on crafting high-quality, hand-built planes that emphasize performance and reliability in recreational and training applications. Headquartered in Darois, near in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of , Robin operates specialized facilities for and aircraft assembly, where skilled artisans construct the majority of components using traditional techniques. These operations underscore the company's commitment to artisanal manufacturing within the European aerospace sector. Robin specializes in single-engine, low-wing tailored for training, touring, and sport flying, serving pilots and flight schools across and beyond. Recent updates include a 916iS engine program for the DR401 announced in 2025. Over its history spanning more than six decades, the company has delivered more than 4,500 across its various models, contributing significantly to the global fleet of planes. This production scale has highlighted Robin's economic importance in sustaining domestic expertise in wooden aircraft construction.

Design Philosophy

Robin Aircraft's initial design philosophy centered on wooden construction, inspired by the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of Jodel aircraft designs. Founded by Pierre Robin in collaboration with Jean Délémontez, a key Jodel designer, the company adapted these principles to create accessible suitable for amateur builders and pilots. Wooden airframes allowed for straightforward manufacturing and repairs using readily available materials, emphasizing affordability and ease of home construction while maintaining structural integrity through traditional techniques. As the company evolved, it shifted toward metal in later models to enhance and production scalability, exemplified by the HR.200, developed in partnership with aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz. This transition addressed limitations of wood in high-stress environments, such as , while retaining core tenets of lightweight efficiency. The metal designs incorporated simplified sheet-metal fabrication methods, reducing weight without compromising strength and broadening appeal to and touring applications. At the heart of Robin's approach were core design goals of achieving high performance, ease of maintenance, and suitability for amateur pilots through features like low-wing configurations and optional retractable landing gear. These elements provided excellent visibility, responsive handling, and versatility for both fixed-base and more advanced operations, prioritizing pilot accessibility over complexity. Maintenance was facilitated by modular components and corrosion-resistant materials, ensuring long-term reliability in general aviation settings. Aerodynamic principles emphasized efficient wing designs, particularly the signature cranked dihedral, to optimize lift distribution and achieve favorable glide ratios and fuel economy. This configuration minimized induced drag during cruise and descent, enabling economical operation for touring while supporting short-field performance. Safety was integral, with unique features such as robust tricycle landing gear for stable ground handling and forgiving stall characteristics that allowed gentle recovery without abrupt tendencies.

History

Founding and Early Development

Robin Aircraft traces its origins to the post-World War II era in , when a burgeoning interest in recreational flying spurred the development of affordable . Pierre Robin, born in 1927 near Tours, , learned to fly at a state-sponsored aero club after the war and became a chief pilot and instructor at the Aéroclub de la Côte d'Or in by 1953. Inspired by the simple, wooden Jodel designs popularized for amateur builders, Robin constructed his own Jodel D.9 and served as a for Jodel under designer Jean Délémontez, one of Jodel's founders. This collaboration laid the groundwork for their , as Robin sought to produce reliable trainers for local flying clubs. In October 1957, Pierre Robin and Jean Délémontez founded Centre-Est Aéronautique (CEA) to manufacture , initially focusing on licensed and modified Jodel designs adapted for training purposes. The company began by developing the DR100 series, evolving from Jodel's D10 project into two- and three-seat trainers like the DR100 Ambassadeur, which incorporated Jodel's cranked-wing configuration for enhanced low-speed handling. These early models emphasized handcrafted wooden fuselages covered in fabric, prioritizing simplicity and cost-effectiveness for assembly by skilled woodworkers. CEA established its first factory at Darois airfield near , , in a modest employing about 10 woodworkers to produce the initial batch of 10 DR100 aircraft. By 1963, production had ramped up to 83 units, including variants like the DR105 and DR1050 in partnership with Société Aéronautique Normande (SAN). The primary market was French flying clubs and private pilots, who valued these affordable, easy-to-fly wooden trainers for navigation and sport flying in the post-war recovery period. This foundation in wooden construction persisted into later decades, though the company later transitioned toward metal designs for broader appeal.

Key Milestones in Production

In the early 1970s, Avions Pierre Robin introduced the HR-200, marking the company's first venture into all-metal aircraft construction and a significant departure from its earlier wood-and-fabric designs derived from Jodel models. Designed in collaboration with Chris Heintz, the two-seat HR-200 featured a Continental engine and tricycle landing gear, emphasizing aerobatic capabilities for training purposes; a total of 113 units were produced before production shifted to variants like the R-2000 Alpha. The launch of the DR series in 1972 represented a pivotal technological shift toward more advanced touring , with the DR-400 model entering serial production that year as a four-seat, low-wing with a distinctive cranked dihedral wing for enhanced stability. Building on the earlier DR-100 and DR-200/250 lines from the , the DR-400 incorporated wood-and-fabric construction with a forward-sliding canopy, quickly becoming the cornerstone of Robin's lineup and achieving over 3,000 units produced by the early 2000s. During the and , Robin Aircraft reached its production peak, delivering thousands of across its DR and HR series, with the DR-400 alone accounting for the majority of output and contributing to a company total exceeding 4,500 units overall. This era saw annual production rates averaging over 100 , driven by demand from European flying clubs and the model's versatility for both training and touring. Expansion into international markets accelerated in the and , with significant exports to —particularly , , and the —where the DR-400 became a staple in aero clubs, alongside limited penetration into through the R-2000 Alpha variant produced in , , starting in 1980. To meet evolving performance standards, Robin adopted modern engines such as the 180 hp for the DR-400 and various Continental models (including the O-200 for earlier HR variants), enhancing reliability and . Avionics upgrades during this period transitioned from basic VFR in the 1970s to more sophisticated IFR setups with autopilots by the , improving the aircraft's suitability for instrument training and cross-country flights while maintaining the company's focus on lightweight, affordable designs.

Ownership Changes and Challenges

In 1969, the company was renamed Avions Pierre Robin to reflect Pierre Robin's leadership and focus on innovative designs. This marked a pivotal shift toward expanding the product line while maintaining the wood-and-fabric construction philosophy established earlier. The company underwent significant ownership transitions in the late 1980s. In 1988, Avions Pierre Robin was acquired by the Compagnie Française Chaufour Investissement (CFCI), operating through its aviation subsidiary Apex Aircraft, which aimed to integrate Robin's operations with other French manufacturers like . Under this structure, the brand was rebranded as Avions Robin from 1988 to 1998, emphasizing continuity in production at the Darois facility. In 1998, it further evolved to Robin Aircraft (or Robin Aviation in some contexts), signaling broader international marketing ambitions beyond the . The 2000s brought substantial financial hurdles for Robin Aircraft, exacerbated by intensifying competition from emerging composite-material manufacturers such as Cirrus Design, whose all-composite SR20 and SR22 models offered perceived advantages in weight, maintenance, and aesthetics, eroding demand for traditional wood-and-fabric aircraft. These pressures culminated in receivership proceedings in 2002, during which operations were restructured but non-core projects were curtailed. By 2008, Apex Aircraft entered liquidation amid mounting debts and declining sales, halting production temporarily. Post-liquidation, the assets were acquired by the Coopérative des Ateliers Aéronautiques de la Région Parisienne (CEAPR) in late 2008, enabling spare parts supply to resume in 2009. Full manufacturing restarted in 2012 under the revitalized Robin Aircraft banner, with type certificates held by CEAPR. To address modernization needs and counter competitive threats, the company pursued strategic partnerships, notably integrating the SMA SR305 diesel engine—derived from Thielert technology—for the updated DR401 series, which improved fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs. Additionally, collaborations with Garmin introduced advanced glass cockpits, including the G500 TXi and GTN 750 avionics suites, enhancing situational awareness and appeal to contemporary pilots. These initiatives helped sustain the company's niche in the light aircraft market through the 2010s.

Cessation of Operations

The , which disrupted global aerospace supply chains and led to a substantial reduction in orders for beginning in 2020, compounded ongoing challenges for Robin Aircraft by delaying component deliveries and dampening customer demand in the general sector. These pressures were further intensified in December 2022, when the issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2022-0267-E requiring inspections on certain DR400 due to potential defects in wing spars, grounding affected pending compliance, resulting in a sharp decline in sales and revenue. In response to falling order volumes, the company downsized its workforce in early 2023, laying off an unspecified number of employees as production slowed. Facing mounting financial strain, Robin Aircraft entered judicial safeguard proceedings on March 3, 2023, to protect its operations while seeking options, followed by placement into on September 19, 2023. On November 21, 2023, the Commercial Court of ordered the company's judicial liquidation with immediate cessation of all activities, rejecting three proposed bids as insufficient or incompatible with the firm's needs. This marked the end of active at Robin Aircraft, which had briefly revived production of models like the DR400, DR401, and CAP10 after restarting in 2012. The liquidation stemmed primarily from persistently declining demand for Robin's wooden and metal light aircraft designs amid an industry-wide shift toward lighter, more efficient composite materials, coupled with elevated production costs that hindered competitiveness. At cessation, the company left several customer orders unfulfilled, including incomplete deliveries of the DR401 model, while final production totals for the post-2012 era remained limited to a few dozen annually in the preceding years. The judicial appointed a liquidator to oversee asset sales and creditor repayments, with the Centre Est Avions Pierre Robin (CEAPR) assuming responsibility for ongoing parts supply and maintenance support to ensure airworthiness for existing fleets. All remaining employees were laid off as part of the operational shutdown, concluding the workforce reductions that had begun earlier in the year.

Aircraft

Pre-DR Series Models

The initial products of Centre-Est Aéronautique, founded by Pierre Robin and Jean Délémontez in 1957, were adaptations of the Jodel D.11 and D.112, two-seat wooden monoplanes designed for basic flight training in French aero clubs. These models retained the Jodel's simple plywood construction, low-wing layout with marked dihedral, and tailwheel undercarriage, but incorporated modifications such as a lengthened fuselage for improved stability and comfort during instruction. Powered by Continental engines delivering 65 hp in the D.112 variant, they served as affordable trainers in government-sponsored pilot programs, emphasizing ease of maintenance and short-field performance for grass airstrips common in rural France. The adaptations featured a of approximately 8.2 m, an empty weight around 340 kg, and cruise speeds of 150-160 km/h, enabling efficient local training flights with low operating costs. Robin personally oversaw the construction of at least two D.11 examples at his club in the mid-, using them to instruct pupils before scaling to factory production of the evolved designs in 1958. These early efforts totaled a small production run, with components and complete supporting the expansion of French clubs during the late and . Their role extended to introductory training, where the responsive handling and stall characteristics promoted safe skill development for novice pilots. Higher-powered variants, such as the DR.105 with a 105 hp engine, were explored in the adaptations, bridging to more capable trainers with cruise speeds up to 180 km/h and empty weights nearing 400-500 kg, while maintaining wingspans of 8-9 m for maneuverability. Overall, over 790 units across the DR100 series and related pre-DR wooden models were built, contributing significantly to France's post-war aviation revival by equipping aero clubs with reliable, homegrown . The wooden construction techniques and aerodynamic principles from these Jodel-derived designs later influenced Robin's shift toward metal structures in advanced touring planes.

DR Series Models

The DR series represents Robin Aircraft's flagship line of light aircraft, developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s to provide versatile platforms for touring and flight training, emphasizing spacious cabins and reliable performance for recreational and instructional use. These models evolved from earlier designs while incorporating enhanced four-seat capacity and modernized features, becoming staples in European general aviation. The initial DR-200 and DR-220 models, introduced around 1965-1967, served as entry-level variants with fixed tricycle landing gear and engines rated between 108 and 118 horsepower, typically the Continental O-235 for the DR-221 successor to the original DR-220's O-200. Designed primarily for two passengers plus two in occasional rear seats, they offered straightforward handling for and short tours, with a focus on economical operation and ease of maintenance. The DR-400 and DR-401 models, entering production in 1972, expanded the series into a true four-seat configuration and became Robin's best-selling , with over 3,000 units produced for their balanced in cross-country flights and club operations. Powered by the 180-horsepower engine in higher-performance variants, these included options for retractable , enhancing versatility for pilots seeking improved speed and efficiency. Key characteristics include a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, a service ceiling of approximately 4,000 meters, and a useful load of 400 to 500 kilograms, making them suitable for family outings or instrument training. The series holds EASA A.367, ensuring compliance for certification and operation across European markets. Building briefly on the wooden construction roots from pre-DR series models, the DR line retained this traditional material for wings and to optimize strength-to-weight ratios.

Production and Variants

Robin Aircraft's production emphasized traditional handcrafting techniques, with each requiring approximately 1,200 man-hours of labor by a of around 105 employees at the Darois facility in as of the . The construction relied predominantly on wooden spars made from materials such as , Oregon pine, or Sitka spruce, combined with and fabric coverings for the wings and , preserving a lightweight and aerodynamically efficient design rooted in practices. This method contrasted with contemporary all-metal alternatives, allowing for easier maintenance and repair while meeting structural demands for light . The DR series, introduced in the early 1970s, achieved the highest production volumes in Robin's history, with over 3,000 units manufactured across its variants by the early 2020s. The DR400 model stood out as the most prolific, exceeding 1,300 units since its 1972 debut and forming the backbone of European flying clubs due to its versatility as a trainer and tourer. Overall, the DR lineup accounted for roughly 3,000 of Robin's total output of approximately 4,500 aircraft, underscoring its enduring market dominance in the single-engine piston category. Production of all models ceased following the company's liquidation in November 2023. Key variants within the DR series catered to diverse operational needs, including fixed- and retractable-gear configurations. The DR401 CDI, featuring a fixed tricycle and powered by a Continental CDI 2.0 (available in 135 or 155 bhp ratings), represented a modern evolution optimized for and reduced operating costs in environments. In contrast, the DR400/180R incorporated retractable gear for enhanced cruise performance, equipped with a 180 hp engine and suited for cross-country missions or glider towing. Specialized aerobatic editions, such as adaptations of the DR400 for limited maneuvers or the dedicated CAP10 wooden trainer, extended the lineup's appeal to sport flying and competition, with the CAP10 produced for over 50 years, though with interruptions, until the company's liquidation in 2023. Quality assurance at Robin involved rigorous in-house testing protocols, including structural inspections and flight evaluations, to ensure adherence to international standards. complied with JAR-23 and equivalent FAR Part 23 requirements for normal category operations, incorporating special conditions like canopy jettison systems for . These measures facilitated global approvals, with export adaptations for markets like the and including propeller selections tailored to local fuel availability and regulatory noise limits, such as constant-speed units optimized for or Jet A-1.

Legacy and Impact

Market Influence

Robin Aircraft established itself as a leading producer of certified touring in and during the 1980s and 2000s, with over 4,500 units built across its lineup, positioning it as the number one manufacturer of and touring aircraft in the region. The company's focus on reliable, versatile designs like the DR series contributed to its prominence in the light sector, where it captured a notable share amid a market dominated by larger American firms. French manufacturers, including Robin, collectively held approximately 65% of the European market share around the mid-2010s, underscoring the company's role in sustaining domestic production capabilities. A key aspect of Robin's market influence was its deep integration into recreational and training fleets, particularly in France, where most airfields and flying clubs maintained at least one DR400 model in their operations. This widespread adoption—exceeding 50% penetration in French club fleets—made Robin aircraft a staple for pilot training and navigation exercises, enhancing accessibility for aspiring aviators and supporting the growth of Europe's grassroots community. The DR400's practicality, including its use as a glider tug, further solidified its appeal for cost-conscious flying organizations. In competing with established brands like and Piper, Robin offered cost-effective alternatives through its wooden construction and efficient designs, which provided comparable performance at lower acquisition and maintenance costs tailored to European operators. Despite being smaller than its American rivals, Robin emerged as a strong contender in the touring segment by the 1970s, appealing to buyers seeking European-made reliability without the of metal-framed imports. This positioning helped diversify market options and bolstered the viability of traditional materials in certified aircraft. Robin Aircraft's models, such as the DR series, hold EASA A.367, which has supported the ongoing certification of wooden structures under European standards, preserving this construction method amid a shift toward composites. The company's global reach extended to numerous countries in , with particularly strong footholds in and the , where dealer networks and club adoptions facilitated steady demand. Following the 2023 liquidation of Robin Aircraft, production of new and remanufactured aircraft resumed in December 2023 under Centre Est Avions Pierre Robin (CEAPR), which holds the type certificates and continues operations at the Darois facility, ensuring the legacy of Robin designs persists as of 2025.

Notable Achievements and Records

The DR400 series stands as the most successful light aircraft design from Avions Pierre Robin, with over 3,000 units produced since its introduction in , making it a cornerstone of French and the most ubiquitous model in flying clubs across the country. Pierre Robin, the company's founder, received widespread recognition for his contributions to design, described upon his death in as "one of 's great names" and an "outstanding flying entrepreneur" whose innovations influenced European sport and touring . Robin DR models have demonstrated reliability through participation in long-distance events, including a DR-360's competitive entry in the 1974 International Air Rally in , where it placed as runner-up in arrival precision and overall categories. The DR series has also seen use in aerobatic displays and training, with variants like the R2160 approved for maneuvers up to +6/-3 G limits, enabling spin recovery and basic in flight schools and airshows. Robin aircraft hold cultural significance in French aviation heritage as enduring symbols of accessible, wood-and-fabric craftsmanship, often featured in European media such as the Italian TV series L'avvocato Guerrieri and the Hong Kong production Chung seung wan siu II, where the ATL variant appears in aerial sequences.

References

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