Aircraft overview

The Robin HR100 / HR200 covers two related French low wing piston aircraft from Avions Pierre Robin, aimed at private touring and club training rather than the wooden DR400 line. The HR100 was introduced at the end of the 1960s as a four seat touring aircraft, with production through the 1970s. The HR200 followed in the early 1970s as a two seat trainer and private aircraft, designed with a metal airframe and fixed tricycle landing gear. Both types matter on the used market because they offer distinctive Robin handling and visibility in a more conventional metal airframe, with modest operating costs and a smaller ownership community than Cessna, Piper or Beechcraft equivalents.

Performance & specifications

Typical figures vary by engine and variant. HR100 models are commonly found with 180 hp or 200 hp Lycoming engines, giving cruise speeds generally around 125 to 140 knots, with touring range commonly quoted in the 600 nautical mile class when sensibly loaded. The HR200 is a lighter two seat aircraft, usually fitted with a 100 hp Continental O-200 or a Lycoming O-235 of about 118 hp depending on version. Typical cruise is around 105 to 115 knots, with range often around 400 nautical miles. Service ceilings for the family are generally in the low to mid teens, commonly around 13,000 feet. Useful load depends heavily on equipment, paint, interior and engine installation, so individual weighing records matter more than brochure figures.

Cabin & avionics

The HR100 has four seats and is best viewed as a compact European tourer, while the HR200 has two side-by-side seats and is more often used for training, local flying and economical private travel. Both have low wing access, good forward visibility and straightforward systems. Factory avionics were conventional analogue radio and navigation fits. Used examples may have Bendix/King, Narco or Collins era equipment, while upgraded aircraft can include Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G5 or GI 275 instruments, modern transponders, 8.33 kHz radios and ADS-B equipment where required. Garmin Perspective and G1000 were not factory suites for these models.

Buying & value

Buyers should focus on airframe corrosion, landing gear condition, control system wear, fuel system integrity, engine history, propeller status and compliance with French or EASA related continuing airworthiness documentation. For HR200 aircraft with training history, inspect fatigue-prone areas, brakes, nose gear and logbook continuity carefully. Common variants include HR100 models with 180 hp or 200 hp powerplants and HR200 versions with 100 hp or 120 hp class engines. Market positioning is typically below mainstream American four seaters for the HR100 and below many later two seat trainers for the HR200, reflecting rarity, parts support considerations and the need for type-specific maintenance knowledge.