Jodel DR-1052

The Jodel DR‑1052, also known as the Jodel D15, is a French two‑seat light aircraft that first flew in 1962, evolving from the earlier DR‑105 series. It features a longer 9.0‑meter wingspan, a 105‑hp Continental O‑200 engine, and a refined wooden airframe with fabric‑covered wings, delivering a cruise speed of about 120 kt and a range near 600 km. The low‑drag cantilever monoplane layout and fixed tailwheel undercarriage give it gentle handling and short‑field capability, making it popular with flying clubs and private pilots for training and leisure flights. More than 600 units were produced in France and under licence abroad, establishing the DR‑1052 as a durable, low‑maintenance workhorse. Its significance lies in demonstrating the continued viability of wooden construction in modern aviation and inspiring a generation of home‑built enthusiasts. The aircraft’s simple construction, using spruce frames and birch plywood skin, allows amateur builders to repair damage with basic workshop tools, contributing to its reputation for longevity. Today many restored DR‑1052s remain active in European aeroclubs, and the type is often featured at vintage airshows, underscoring its lasting appeal and the influence of Jodel’s wooden‑craft tradition on light‑aircraft design.