Robin DR 400
The Robin DR 400 is a popular single-engine cantilever low-wing French in timber construction. Characteristic are the bent up wing tips.
History
The Robin DR 400 is a further development of the DR 300 series, which had emerged from the DR 221 and DR 250 Dauphin Capitaine. The first variant, the DR 340 Major, had its maiden flight on 27 February 1968. Followed in 1972 the DR 400, which has, in contrast to the previous model to a forward-opening sliding hood.
1988 Avions Pierre Robin, the aircraft manufacturer was acquired by the Apex Group. Also shells or even blueprints, this completely built in wood aircraft offered, so still new DR 400 privately built - From the producers were - in addition to the finished aircraft.
After the bankruptcy of Apex no DR were built 400 more. In early 2010 it was announced that the company Finch Aircraft newly founded company plans to begin production in the traditional factory in Dijon Darois again. Meanwhile, the DR400 in different versions with Robin New Aircraft in Darois built again. New to the program is a version with the 155 hp diesel engine Thielert Centurion 2.0S whose flight testing started in February 2010. Meanwhile, is for the DR400 with this engine before being admitted to aerotowing
Areas of application
The abbreviated Remo ( From French " Remorqueur ": tug / tow plane ) aircraft in flight clubs mentioned are very popular aircraft for towing of gliders, as well as for performing sightseeing flights.
Especially clubs, whose members also like to travel further, are users of the DR400. Here, the low curb weight of the wood construction makes a positive impact. In contrast to comparable aircraft from other manufacturers of metal construction, the DR 400 is at a potential payload of almost 500 kg a true four-seater. Characteristic of a DR 400 are the gull wing.
The version DR400 -180 " Regent " not only offers the 180 -hp engine also has two tanks of 40 liters in both wings. With a total of 190 liters of fuel flights of up to 1100 km ( with 30 minute reserve ) are possible with four people and their luggage.
Especially popular are the DR400 is for clubs in the French Alps. The, by the relatively low curb weight, high rate of climb after take-off also allows the warm summer departures of the Altiports ( mountain airfields ) as Megeve, Courchevel or Meribel.
Versions
Depending on the engine size and number of seats there was of this type of aircraft following versions:
- DR 400/120 Dauphin
- DR 400/135 cdi Dauphin
- DR 400/140 Dauphin
- DR 400/140 B Major
- DR 400/160 Regent
- DR 400/180 Regent
- DR 400/200i Président
- DR 400/180R Remorqueur
- DR 400/200R Remorqueur
- DR 400/RP ( with Porsche PFM 3200)
- DR 400RP235 Gomolzig (formerly with Porsche PFM 3200)