Photograph:
Jodel DR-1051 Sicile Record ZK-JOD (c/n 350) in June 1988 (Keith Morris –NZCIVAIR)
Country of origin:
France
Description:
Two-seat light sport monoplane
Power Plant:
One 78 kw (105 hp) Potez 4 E-20A four-cylinder air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 8.72 m (28 ft 7½ in)
- Length: 6.5 m (20 ft 10 in)
- Height: 1.82 m (6 ft)
- Wing area: 13.6 m² (146.4 sq ft)
- Max speed at sea level: 249 km/h (155 mph)
- Cruising speed at 75% power at 1,981 m (6,500 ft): 235 km/h (146 mph)
- Range: 1,046 km (650 miles)
- Empty weight: 400 kg (882 lb)
- Loaded weight: 780 kg (1,720 lb)
History:
Following the success of the three/four-seat series of Jodel designs, the Company (Centre Est Aeronautique) began the development in 1964 of the Sicile Record, this new design featuring a re-designed cockpit canopy with improved aerodynamic shape, a re-designed engine cowling which improved airflow to the carburettor, new wheel fairings, a swept vertical tail surface , and a one-piece all-moving tailplane, all aimed at improving the speed of the aircraft. Produced in two models, the DR-1050 Ambassadeur Sicile had the 75 kw (100 hp) Rolls Royce–Continental O-200 engine, whereas the DR-1051 Sicile Record had the Potez 4 E-20A unit.
A variant known as the DR-1052 Excellence was put into production by the Societe Aeronautique Normande (SAN). DR stood for Delmontez Robin, the aircraft having been designed by Jean Delmontez and having been built by Avions Pierre Robin. A number of examples are known to have been used for light aircraft racing in Europe, one winning the Air Race of Sicily, which the aircraft was named after.
One example of the DR-1051 is known to have been imported to this region. This aircraft ZK-JOD (c/n 350 – ex HB-EBX) was imported to New Zealand in 1979 and was registered to Mr J A Bryant of Christchurch on 28 August 1981.