Jodel D.9 Bébé

The Jodel D.9 Bébé is a light, single‑seat monoplane designed and built in France shortly after World II. Designed by Édouard Joly and Jean Délémontez, the aircraft first flew in 1948 and entered series production the following year under the Jodel name. Its most distinctive element is the low‑wing, wooden structure with a characteristic dihedral on the outer wing panels, which gives the Bébé exceptional stability and gentle stall characteristics. Powered by a modest 25–40 hp Continental or Régnier engine, the aircraft weighs less than 300 kg and can be assembled from simple plans, which made it popular with home‑builders and flying clubs. The D.9’s simple construction, low operating costs and forgiving handling turned it into a beloved trainer and sport aircraft throughout Europe, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. Over 400 examples were built, and many remain flying today, serving as a benchmark for amateur‑built wooden aircraft. The Bébé’s legacy lies in demonstrating that safe, affordable aviation can be achieved with modest materials and thoughtful design, influencing generations of light‑sport aircraft designers. Its continued presence at vintage airshows and in museum collections underscores the timeless appeal of Jodel’s efficient engineering philosophy.