R 2160

Robin Aviation · France · first flew 1978 · light aircraft

The Robin R 2160 Alpha Sport is a French single-engine, side-by-side two-seat all-metal light aircraft cleared for basic aerobatics.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	7 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Semi-aerobatic Alpha Sport two-seater
Low straight wing, fixed tricycle gear
Sliding bubble canopy

Like its R2000 siblings, it shows a low straight wing, fixed tricycle gear and a sliding bubble canopy over side-by-side seats, powered by a single nose piston engine with a conventional tail.

Specifications

The R 2160 has a length of 7 m (23 ft).
It has a wingspan of 8.33 m (27 ft).
Its maximum speed is 256 km/h (159 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Part of the Robin R2000 series first developed in 1978, the R 2160 was pitched as a sporty club trainer with limited aerobatic clearance. Production paused and then restarted in the mid-1990s with revised systems and corrosion protection. The type was later built and marketed abroad, including under the Alpha brand.

Variants

The R 2160 sits alongside the training-focused R 2120 and the re-engined Alpha 160/2000 derivatives. Variations concerned engines, electrical systems and equipment fit. The Alpha Sport name reflected its light-aerobatic role.

Where you'll see it

Flying clubs and private owners have used the R 2160 for training and recreational flying, and examples have appeared on the UK civil register. Its modest aerobatic clearance adds appeal for club sport flying.

Related aircraft

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