Photograph:
First example of the R1180 in New Zealand, ZK-TZW (c/n 263) (NZCIVAIR)
Country of origin:
France
Description:
Four-seat light touring and sport monoplane
Power Plant:
One 134 kw (180 hp) Lycoming O-360-A3AD four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 9.08 m (29 ft 9½ in)
- Length: 7.26 m (23 ft 9¾ in)
- Height: 2.38 m (7 ft 9¾ in)
- Wing area: 15.10 m² (162.54 sq ft)
- Max speed at sea level: 251 km/h (156 mph)
- Cruising speed: 246 km/h (153 mph)
- Stalling speed: 93 km/h (58 mph)
- Rate of climb: 258 m/min (846 ft/min)
- Service ceiling: 5,030 m (16,505 ft)
- Range: 1,625 km (1,009 miles)
- Fuel capacity: 257 litres (56.5 imp gals)
- Empty weight: 650 kg (1,433 lb)
- Loaded weight: 1,150 kg (2,535 lb)
History:
The Aiglon was one of a series of touring monoplanes produced in France in the late 1970s and early 1980s, completed in small numbers, the prototype making its first flight in late 1976 and being known as the R1180 Aiglon. It was followed by the initial production variant with an extended cabin and an enlarged tinted canopy, which was first flown on 25 March 1977, this being known as the R1180T Aiglon. Thirty examples were completed before production changed to the R1180TD Aiglon II. This was similar to the R1180T but had a new updated instrument panel, improved cabin furnishings and a baggage locker which could be accessed externally. A total of 36 examples was completed.
The design was somewhat different from previous Robin designs in that it did not have a cranked wing as had all earlier derivatives of the Jodel series. SFACT ordered 18 examples for use by French civil aviation training schools at Carcassone, Grenoble and Muret, and these had adjustable control columns, improved soundproofing and increased fuel capacity.
The Aiglon had a fixed tricycle undercarriage and was powered by either the Lycoming O-360-A3AD or O-360-A3A engine, both units providing 134 kw (180 hp). Based on the HR100 series it was of all-metal construction but had a lighter airframe and a redesigned fin and rudder. Certification was obtained on 19 September 1978.
In 2005 a Robin R1180TD arrived in New Zealand. This aircraft ZK-TZW (c/n 263), which had formerly been registered in France in December 1980 as F-GCRR, was imported by the New Zealand Robin importer, Izard Pacific Aviation, taking up registration on 31 May 2005. Since then it has been based initially at Auckland and later at Rangiora.