Robin DR401 155CDI
Modelled on the renowned Robin DR400, the Robin Aircraft DR401 155CDI is the evolution of an enduring and trusted design into a thoroughly modern light aircraft.
The enviable package of capability, reliability, and economy of purchase and ownership makes the CDI the first choice in four-seat certified aircraft.
No other aircraft in its class boasts the same combination of short-field performance, long-distance touring comfort and range, and load-carrying abilities.
Click below to see how the Robin 155CDI compares with the competition:
| Relative price | Useful load (zero fuel) | Useful load with 1,000 km fuel | Clear 15 m | Landing roll | Climb at 8,000 ft | Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robin DR401 155CDI | 1 | 440 kg | 352 kg | 400 m | 175 m | 614 fpm | 1,566 km |
| Diamond DA40 NG | 1·14 | 400 kg | 324 kg | 584 m | 175 m | 610 fpm | 1,438 km |
| Cirrus SR20 | 1·48 | 440 kg | 310 kg | 629 m | 309 m | 462 fpm | 1,056 km |
| Tecnam P2010 | 1·23 | 420 kg | 295 kg | 626 m | 237 m | 310 fpm | 1,094 km |
| Piper PA28 DX | 1·43 | 360 kg | 234 kg | 533 m | 198 m | 250 fpm | 1,281 km |
| Cessna 172 JT-A | 1·55 | 375 kg | 252 kg | 541 m | 175 m | 414 fpm | 1,359 km |
What the press says:
“…the rate of climb is impressive at just over 1,000 fpm.”
“…has all of the ingredients needed to be a winner.”
“…the undercarriage is tough enough to easily be up to the task of going in and out of shortish grass strips.”
“…proves to be a versatile, economic aeroplane…”
“…matches the economy of the two-seat sports aircraft…”
“…it has the ability to fly with four people and luggage during the day, night or under IFR.”
(Flyer)
“You couldn’t consider buying a piston single without looking closely at the EcoFlyer.”
(General Aviation)
“…the diesel is so obviously the future.”
(Flyer)
“…nothing short of astounding…the 401 represents all you’ll ever need.”
(General Aviation)
“…the advent of the 401 means you have run out of excuses not to buy a Robin.”
(Flyer)
The ecologically sympathetic wood airframe has many advantages over those made with composites and metal. Low in weight, high in strength with no fatigue life, this airframe can be easily repaired if damaged, does not degrade under ultraviolet light, as does GRP, will not corrode, has superior sound and vibration absorption properties and is more comfortable in turbulence.
- improved airspeed;
- improved climb rate;
- reduced stall speed;
- high durability.
- High torque: better take-off performance;
- Turbocharged: better power at altitude;
- Fuel-injected: no carburettor icing;
- Electronically managed: exceptional fuel economy;
- Liquid cooled: safe from thermal shock on low power settings;
- No risk of carbon monoxide poisoning: separate cabin heat radiator;
- No lead pollution;
- Lower nitrogen and carbon dioxide emissions than avgas engines;
- Very quiet: three-bladed propeller, liquid cooling, efficient silencing;
- Economical: low use of Jet A-1, biodiesel, automotive diesel and many military jet fuels in any mixture;
- Low maintenance: 100 hour or 12 month checks, whichever is the sooner, includes 'annual' items. 2.100 hour TBR with the option to run beyond this 'on condition.'
- London to Mallorca on one fill;
- Easy access to the four comfortable seats from the upper side of either wing via the forward sliding canopy;
- The luggage compartment has its own external door and can also be conveniently accessed from within the cabin. With a volume of about 330 litres, the luggage bay will happily swallow a pair of Brompton bicycles with room to spare for bags.
- An expansive canopy that dips to elbow level greatly contributes to safety and enjoyment in VFR conditions;
- The wing with washout on the outer dihedral makes for a very safe handling aeroplane that is a pleasure to fly:
- High wing loading on the inner section for a smoother ride;
- Extra stability in turns;
- Increased stability at high angles of attack giving superior low speed stability and manoeuvrability.
- Lift off in 214 metres;
- Clear 15 metres in 400 metres;
- Stop in 175 metres.
- Full glass panels;
- Integrated GPS Nav/Com with moving map;
- Traffic advisory systems;
- Fully coupled autopilot.
| Performance in ISA conditions | at 1,000 kg | at 1,100 kg |
|---|---|---|
| Take-off ground roll | 167 m | 214 m |
| Take-off to clear 15 m | 312 m | 400 m |
| Climb rate on take off | 900 fpm | 740 fpm |
| Landing distance to clear 15 m | 415 m | |
| Landing ground roll | 175 m | |
| Stall speed | 49 kts | |
| Landing speed with full flap | 65 kts | |
| Best angle of climb speed | 65 kts | |
| Best rate of climb speed | 78 kts | |
| Best glide speed | 78 kts | |
| Demonstrated cross wind limit | 22 kts | |
| Useful load (typical VFR fit) | 440 kg | |
| Ceiling | 16,500 ft | |
| Speed, fuel consumption, range & endurance at 8,000 ft AMSL in ISA conditions | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power (%) | Speed (ktas) | Fuel flow (l/hr) | Endurance with 159 l (hours) | No-reserve tange with 159 l (nm) | ||
| 980 kg | 1,100 kg | 980 kg | 1,100 kg | |||
| 90 | 141 | 130 | 29·6 | 5·4 | 757 | 698 |
| 75 | 129 | 119 | 23·4 | 6·6 | 855 | 788 |
| 50 | 104 | 94 | 15·3 | 10·4 | 1,081 | 977 |
Apart from all the other advantages of the CDI over petrol engines (safety, low noise, low vibration, ease of operation, the convenience of 100 hour / 12 month checks), the CDI engine is considerably less expensive to operate:
Overall, maintenance and fuel costs for a 155 CDI could be about half of those for a 180 hp aircraft for business use and around three-quarters for personal use.