Kate Sarsfield/LONDON
Robin Aviation is planning to double production of its range of general aviation aircraft and is seeking to penetrate the US market.
The French aircraft manufacturer produces a selection of wood construction piston-single designs, including the four-seat DR400, the 200i President and the new all-metal Alpha 2120, scheduled for European JAR 23 certification this month. Robin is currently expanding its Dijon-based facility to accommodate demand.
Robin's Cap Aviation subsidiary, based in Bernay, Normandy, is expected to claim the bulk of the sales in the USA with its range of wood and carbonfibre-based aerobatic and training aircraft, namely the CAP 10C and tandem two-seat CAP 222, which are both scheduled for European certification and first deliveries in mid- next year. Sales of the "specialist" CAP 232 competition sport aircraft will be limited to Europe.
Robin Aviation's chief executive, Guy Pellissier, says: "Our aim is to double production this year [from 1 September to 31 August 2001] from 75 to 150 aircraft. We will focus mainly on development of the CAP 10C and CAP 222 in the USA where there are already around 45 CAP models flying."
Pellissier is aiming to clinch Federal Aviation Administration approval for the DR400 next year. The US market, he anticipates, could account for a further 30 aircraft sales a year, "although the largest market will remain in Europe," he adds.
CAP Aviation's managing director, Dominique Roland, believes once the CAP 10C and CAP 222 have found acceptance in the USA the market will become easier for Robin to break into. He says: "We expect the USA to account for around 80% of total CAP 10C and 222 sales within two years."
In preparation, CAP has established a co-operation agreement with Composites Unlimited of Oregon to build sub-assemblies for the carbon fibre CAP 222. The parts will be shipped to Robin's Dijon factory for final assembly. "Once we have built up enough demand for the aircraft, we'll set up a final assembly line in the USA. Meantime, we plan to establish a network of maintenance centres to support the aircraft."
CAP 222 production is expected to double after the first year from 20 to 40 aircraft, while CAP 10C output is not expected to exceed 20 aircraft a year, says Roland.
Source: Flight International
