The Robin DR400 is a single-engine wooden monoplane produced by Robin Aircraft (formerly "Avions Pierre Robin"). The Robin DR400 is widely used in flight schools and for private use in France.[1]
The Robin DR400 was released in 1972, as a development of the DR300 series. Compared to the latter, the two major differences of the DR400 are a wider cabin at shoulder level and a forward-sliding canopy, a new concept introduced with the Robin HR-1 in 1969[2], made to replace the doors present on earlier series. The wings have a 'cranked-wing' configuration, allowing for stable cruising and safer stalls. The dashboard is also clearer and more elevated than on previous models, allowing easier instrument readings.
The main difference between DR400 models is the engine, as the cabin remains identical between versions. The low-powered models, which go up to 120hp, are called "2+2" to indicate they can carry 2 adults and 2 children (or three adults). The other models are all four-seaters, as the 180hp engine can carry 4 passengers, a full fuel tank, and luggage.
The design of the aircraft is old; it consists of a wooden canvas structure with a low, positive-dihedral wing. The low wing provides good visibility of the aircraft's surroundings. It is the same wood and fabric type as Jodel wings. The landing gear is in the non-retractable, tricycle configuration, allowing easier taxiing, takeoff and landing than conventional landing gears.
The DR400 is very present in France, operating as a training aircraft in flight schools and a rental aircraft for flight clubs. In 2019, French air clubs operated 864 DR300 and DR400 models out of the 2394 training and rental aircraft available nationwide.
Production of the DR400 ceased in 2014, as it was replaced with the Robin DR401.[3]
The first prototype of the DR400, a 180hp "Régent", flew for the first time in Darois in early 1972. The production of the DR400 began on 10 May of the same year.
The 6 initial versions were:
The naming system of the DR400 models is similar to that of the DR300 series, with the engine's horsepower indicated in the version names.
The top of the canopy is usually painted on these aircraft except for the 180R (which is clear to improve visibility when towing) and the Petit Prince, whose plexiglass canopy is tinted on the top.
In 1974, the 180R is equipped with an additional rear window, and in 1987, all DR400 versions are equipped with this feature. Although this may improve the aircraft's appearance, the additional mass greatly hinders the aircraft's flight capabilities. The addition of reinforcements and a firewall add 25kg to the aircraft's mass. Due to this addition, these modifications are later removed from the less powerful versions, in 1993.
In 1975, the DR400-108 is renamed DR400-100 and the "Petit Prince" is renamed DR400-120. Later on, it is equipped with a new propeller and renamed "Dauphin" while the production of the DR400-100 is ceased in 1979.
In 1980, the DR400 B Major is retired and replaced with the DR400 Major 80 (Still with 160hp). The new Major 80 has an extended range of 1375 km, making it a very attractive aircraft for travel.
Due to its attractive price and good performance characteristics, the "Dauphin 2+2" is the most sold version of the DR400 family and remains so in the 21st century.
The successor of the DR400 is the DR401, with more modern technology and increased comfort.
Over the years, the dashboards of the DR400 have evolved. A noticeable difference is that some aircraft are not equipped with pedal-brakes but rather with a brake handle located between the two front seats. Some other differences can be noticed such as the presence (or lack of) warning panels.
The DR400 is also available with a glass cockpit.
| Dauphin 2+2 | Dauphin 4 | Major | Régent | Remo 180 | Remo 200 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Lycoming O-235 | Lycoming O-320 | Lycoming O-320 | Lycoming O-360 | Lycoming O-360 | Lycoming IO-360 |
| Horsepower | 118 | 160 | 160 | 180 | 180 | 200 |
| Propeller | Two bladed, fixed pitch | Two bladed, fixed pitch | Two bladed, fixed pitch | Two bladed, fixed pitch | Two bladed, fixed pitch | Two bladed, variable pitch |
| Capacity | 2+2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Wingspan (m) | 8.72 | 8.72 | 8.72 | 8.72 | 8.72 | 8.72 |
| Length (m) | 6.96 | 6.96 | 6.96 | 6.96 | 6.96 | 7.22 |
| Height (m) | 2.23 | 2.23 | 2.23 | 2.23 | 2.23 | 2.23 |
| Wing Surface (m) | 13.60 | 13.60 | 14.20 | 14.20 | 13.60 | 13.60 |
| Empty Weight (kg) | 550 | 580 | 598 | 610 | 592 | 650 |
| Max. Weight (kg) | 900 | |||||
| Useful Load (kg) | 350 | 420 | 452 | 490 | 408 | 450 |
| Max. Speed (km/h) | 241 | 265 | 271 | 278 | 270 | 270 |
| Cruising Speed (km/h) | 215 | 215 | 245 | 260 | 230 | 250 |
| Stall Speed (km/h) | 82 | 99 | 93 | 95 | 87 | 91 |
| Range (km) | 928 | 860 | ||||