Robin Aircraft
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Predecessor | Centre-Est Aéronautique, Avions Pierre Robin, Apex Aircraft |
| Founded | October 1957 |
| Founder | Pierre Robin, Jean Délémontez |
| Headquarters | Darois , France |
| Products | Light aircraft (e.g. DR400, DR401, CAP 10C NG) |
Robin Aircraft represents a French manufacturer specializing in light aircraft, emerging as the successor to Centre-Est Aéronautique, Avions Pierre Robin, and Apex Aircraft (also known as Avions Robin and Robin Aviation).
History
Established in October 1957 by Pierre Robin alongside Jean Délémontez, the chief designer behind Jodel aircraft, Centre-Est Aéronautique was based in Darois, near Dijon, France.
Their initial model originated from the previously abandoned Jodel D10 blueprint, which was developed into the 'Jodel Robin' and subsequently evolved into the DR100 series. Continuous enhancements to this design were made by Robin and Délémontez until 1972.
Following the DR100, the DR200 series was introduced, with production commencing in November 1970 under the name Avions Pierre Robin.
The Robin DR400, launched in 1972 and still in production today, is a widely favored wooden sport monoplane. It features a tricycle landing gear and accommodates four occupants. This model is distinguished by its unique 'cranked wing' configuration, a characteristic shared with Jodel designs.
The Robin HR200, conceived by Chris Heintz, is an all-metal aerobatic trainer designed for light aircraft use. The Robin R2000, derived from the HR200, has been manufactured as the Alpha 2000 by Alpha Aviation in Hamilton, New Zealand, since 2004.
In 1988, Apex Aircraft acquired Avions Pierre Robin and continued manufacturing at Darois under the brands Avions Robin and Robin Aviation.
By 2008, approximately fifty percent of the aircraft produced were equipped with diesel engines supplied by Thielert. However, Thielert’s insolvency caused disruptions in engine availability and increased costs, factors that contributed to Apex Aircraft's liquidation later that year. Meanwhile, CEAPR—operating at the same location and responsible for component production—maintained parts supply.
Production recommenced in May 2011 under the name Robin Aircraft, with CEAPR holding all relevant type certificates.
The current product lineup includes the DR401—a modernized version of the DR400 featuring a glass cockpit, expanded cockpit dimensions, electric trim and flap controls, along with various engine choices—and the aerobatic CAP 10C NG, an upgraded iteration of the Mudry CAP 10. CEAPR acquired the CAP 10 type certificate in 2015 and began deliveries in 2021.
In December 2022, Robin Aircraft identified bonding defects affecting seven batches of DR400 wing spars. Consequently, EASA issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) 2022-0267-E on 27 December 2022. After reviewing data that demonstrated wing spars exceeded design limits, EASA withdrew the directive on 12 June 2024, confirming no safety concerns remained.
Despite this resolution, the issuance of the EAD led to financial difficulties: Robin Aircraft entered safeguard procedures in February 2023, followed by receivership in September 2023 and eventual liquidation in November 2023.
In December 2023, CEAPR rehired half of Robin Aircraft’s employees to restart production of both Robin and CAP aircraft models. CEAPR retains ownership of all components, type certificates, as well as land and facilities at Darois—including the Robin Aircraft trademark. With over six decades of expertise in design, certification approvals, parts manufacturing, and maintenance operations at Darois, CEAPR holds Part APDOA, Part CAO, and Part 21G certifications. It was granted DGAC Production Approval on 24 September 2024 for manufacturing new aircraft.
Aircraft
Introduced at AERO Friedrichshafen on 9 April 2014, the DR401 boasts an expanded cabin along with electrically operated flaps and trim controls.