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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:

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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)

Featuring:
A safe, strong and responsive aerostructure, beautifully finished throughout and easy to maintain, offered with an industry leading 20 year warranty.

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.
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Solid upper wing surface: introduced for the DR401, the Robin Swiftwing has a lightweight laminar giving:
  • improved airspeed;
  • improved climb rate;
  • reduced stall speed;
  • high durability.
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Modern, all alloy engine with automatic constant speed propeller; the most reliable piston engine in general aviation:
  • 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.
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Up to 440 kg load, comfort, practicality and great range:
  • 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.
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Outstanding visibility and easy to fly:
  • 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.
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Equally at home on hard runways or short grass fields:
  • Lift off in 214 metres;
  • Clear 15 metres in 400 metres;
  • Stop in 175 metres.
All figures at maximum weight on dry tarmac and in ISA conditions—STOL capability combined with rapid long-range transport.
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A wide choice of options for VFR and IFR guide you safely to your destination:
  • Full glass panels;
  • Integrated GPS Nav/Com with moving map;
  • Traffic advisory systems;
  • Fully coupled autopilot.

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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
The Cost Equation
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.