Julian Moxon/Paris
French light aircraft manufacturer Avions Pierre Robin is working on an improved version of its DR400 Regent four-seater in a bid to strengthen sales of the type.
"We want to continue making these aircraft," says Robin president Jean-Paul Pellissier of the all-wood DR400. "It is in a niche of its own, but we need to offer a more up-market version." The aircraft, which has seen numerous improvements since its introduction in 1977, will receive a slightly larger fuselage and new AlliedSignal avionics. This will make it particularly appealing to the German market, "where the aircraft is really appreciated", says Pellissier. He hopes the new version will be presented at the 1997 Paris Air Show.
Sales of the three principal Robin types, the DR400 and the all-metal DR200 and DR2000, have returned to 1994 levels, with anticipated production of 61 aircraft this year. Dijon-based Robin has been restructuring since Pellissier took over in January, with the workforce cut by 10%, to around 90, and strong emphasis placed on cutting costs and improving product support.
The company is one of the three contenders for the UK Royal Air Force's programme to replace the Bulldog trainer, with a potential order for up to 100 aircraft. Robin is offering a more powerful version of the DR2160 aerobatic two-seater, powered either by a fuel injected version of the existing Textron Lycoming 120kW (160hp) power plant or a new 135kW engine. The aircraft is slightly smaller than the Grob or Slingsby contenders, notes Pellissier, "but our aircraft is less costly and has excellent performance." A RAF evaluation team has flown the aircraft "-they gave us very positive feedback", he adds.
Further improvements are in the pipeline, says Pellissier, including a 90kW engine for the DR2120, and a possible new type based on the X-4 prototype, although he declines to be specific. Robin is also developing a remotely piloted vehicle for an "export customer".
Source: Flight International