Robin DR.221 Dauphin
Robin Aircraft · France · first flew 1969 · light aircraft
The Robin DR.221 Dauphin is a four-seat French light touring aircraft, an evolved version of the DR.220 2+2 with a more powerful Lycoming engine and improved cabin fittings.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- French wooden four-seat tourer with 108 hp Lycoming
- Improved DR.220 with more power and refined interior
- Low-wing Jodel-derived design with bubble canopy
Very similar in appearance to the DR.220; the slight performance improvement is not visible externally, and both share the same tapered wooden wing and bubble canopy.
Specifications
- The Robin DR.221 Dauphin has a length of 6.8 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.72 m (29 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 220 km/h (137 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Robin introduced the DR.221 Dauphin in 1969 as a more capable development of the DR.220, fitting a 108 hp Lycoming O-235 engine to improve performance. The wooden airframe construction, derived from Jodel practice, kept costs manageable for aero clubs. The Dauphin helped establish Robin's reputation for producing elegant, economical touring aircraft.
Variants
The DR.221 sits between the DR.220 and DR.250 in the family; it was produced alongside other Robin types of the period.
Where you'll see it
Operated primarily by French aero clubs and private owners throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
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- Cessna 401B Businessliner
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