ABC Robin

The ABC Robin, produced by ABC Motors, entered service in 1974 as a versatile light‑utility aircraft that quickly earned a reputation for reliability and ease of operation. Designed under the direction of chief engineer Elena Kovács, the Robin was based on a high‑wing monoplane layout that combined a spacious cabin with unobstructed visibility, making it popular for both civilian training schools and remote‑area transport missions. Its first prototype flew on 12 March 1973, and after a rigorous flight‑test program it received certification from the International Aviation Authority in late 1974. Powered by a four‑cylinder horizontally opposed Lyra‑210 engine delivering 210 horsepower, the aircraft achieves a cruise speed of 175 knots, a range of 720 nautical miles, and a short take‑off distance of 560 feet on standard runway conditions. Key features include tricycle landing gear with reinforced shock absorbers, a fully digital avionics suite that was ahead of its time, and removable utility doors that allow rapid reconfiguration for cargo, medevac, or passenger layouts. The Robin’s durability and low operating costs have made it a mainstay in regional airlines, bush operators, and flight‑training academies worldwide, solidifying its legacy as a cornerstone of practical aviation design.