DR315 Petit Prince

The DR315 Petit Prince, produced by the French manufacturer Robin Aircraft, is a modern reinterpretation of the classic wooden light‑sport aircraft lineage that began with the DR400 series in the 1970s. Officially unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2015, the Petit Prince made its first flight later that year and entered limited production in 2016. Designed as a two‑seat trainer and recreational plane, it combines traditional wood‑and‑fabric construction with contemporary carbon‑fiber wing tips and a sleek, low‑drag airframe. Power is supplied by a 100‑horse‑power Lycoming O‑235 engine, driving a three‑bladed composite propeller; the cockpit features a glass‑panel avionics suite, side‑by‑side seating, and generous visibility through large canopy windows. Its light weight (≈ 550 kg max take‑off) and modest fuel burn make it economical for flight schools and private owners, while the forgiving handling characteristics echo the beloved “Robin” flying feel. The DR315 Petit Prince is significant because it bridges heritage craftsmanship with modern efficiency, preserving the wooden‑aircraft tradition in an era dominated by all‑metal and composite designs, and reinforcing Robin’s reputation as a leader in low‑cost, high‑performance general aviation. It continues to inspire a new generation of pilots worldwide.

Robin Aircraft

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