Aircraft overview

The Robin DR400 is a French, single-engine, low-wing light aircraft developed by Avions Pierre Robin from the earlier DR300/Jodel lineage. The type first flew in 1972 and has remained in production in various forms under Robin and later Robin Aircraft. Built primarily from wood with fabric covering, it is known for its distinctive cranked “Jodel” wing, which gives good low-speed handling and short-field manners. The DR400 is widely used in Europe for private touring, flight training, aero-club operations, and glider towing in higher-powered variants.

Performance & specifications

Performance depends strongly on variant and engine fit. Common DR400 models use Lycoming four-cylinder piston engines, including the O-235, O-320, and O-360 families, with typical outputs from about 112 hp to 180 hp. Cruise speeds generally fall in the roughly 105 to 130 knot range, with the DR400/180 Régent and tow-oriented 180 hp versions at the upper end. Typical practical range is around 500 nautical miles, depending on fuel capacity, payload, and power setting. Useful load varies by model and equipment, commonly around the high hundreds of pounds, while service ceiling is typically quoted in the low-to-mid teens in feet.

Cabin & avionics

The DR400 usually seats four in a compact 2+2 cabin under a large forward-sliding canopy, giving excellent visibility and easy access compared with many side-door trainers. The cabin is efficient rather than spacious, with rear-seat comfort and baggage capacity varying by variant and weight-and-balance limits. Avionics are highly aircraft-specific: many older examples retain conventional analogue instruments, while later or upgraded aircraft may feature modern radios, Mode S transponders, 8.33 kHz communications, GPS navigators such as Garmin GNS or GTN units, electronic flight instruments such as Garmin G5, or other retrofit glass panels. Garmin G1000 or Perspective-style integrated suites are not typical factory equipment for the DR400 fleet.

Buying & value

Prospective buyers should pay close attention to wooden airframe condition, hangar history, moisture exposure, fabric age, corrosion on fittings, engine time, propeller status, and compliance with applicable Robin service bulletins and airworthiness directives. Common variants include lower-powered DR400/120 and DR400/140 models for training and economical touring, DR400/160 versions, and the DR400/180 Régent or Remorqueur for stronger touring performance or glider towing. Upgrades often include modern radios, GPS, transponders, engine monitors, and refreshed interiors. In the current PlaneFox used-market sample, asking prices average about EUR 109,000, with a broad range from roughly EUR 20,000 to EUR 260,000, reflecting large differences in age, variant, engine life, avionics, and refurbishment standard.