DR 500 President
Robin Aviation · France · first flew 1997 · light aircraft
The Robin DR 500 President is a French single-engine, four-seat light touring aircraft distinguished by its cranked Jodel-style wooden wing.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.22 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Cranked-wing 'Jodel' four-seat tourer
- Wooden construction, fixed tricycle gear
- 200 hp fuel-injected Lycoming
The distinctive dihedral cranked outer wing panels of the Jodel-derived design are the key cue, combined with fixed tricycle gear, a sliding canopy and a single nose piston engine on a wooden airframe.
Specifications
- The DR 500 President has a length of 7.22 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.72 m (29 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 272 km/h (169 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 plus 3 or 4 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Avions Pierre Robin flew the DR 500 prototype on 29 May 1997, positioning it above the standard DR400 with a more powerful 200 hp fuel-injected Lycoming engine and better equipment. It aimed to bridge the gap between fixed-gear 180 hp tourers and heavier retractables. Around two dozen were built.
Variants
The DR 500 President is closely related to the wider DR400 family that shares its wooden cranked-wing airframe. Differences centred on engine power, avionics and cabin appointments. It represented a higher-specification member of the Robin touring line.
Where you'll see it
Used by private owners and clubs for touring and cross-country flying, DR400-family aircraft including the DR 500 are common on the UK civil register. The type is prized for its comfortable cabin and pleasant handling.
Related aircraft
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