French general-aviation manufacturer Avions Pierre Robin is re-introducing an upgraded version of its four-seat R118 Aiglon, 17 years after production was halted.
Dubbed the Aiglon II, the light aircraft will have minor modifications over the earlier design, although these have yet to be disclosed. Like its predecessor, the aircraft will be powered by a single 135kW (180hp) Textron Lycoming O-320-A3A.
According to Robin, it will be a direct rival to the Piper Warrior III and the Cessna 172. Deliveries of the Fr900,000 ($147,000) aircraft are to start in early 1998.
The announcement is the second relaunch for the French company in recent months. At the Paris air show in June, the manufacturer presented the four-seat President, a re-engined version of its all-wooden DR400. Robin, which has acquired French general-aviation manufacturer Avions Mudry in a take-over (Flight International, 6-12 August), also produces the 200, 2160 and 3000 models. The company plans to retain and develop the Mudry aircraft range.
Source: Flight International
