The original Avions Robin HR200 was designed by Christophe Heintz, to supplement the earlier Avions Robin designs of Jean Délémontez who also designed the popular post war wooden Jodel. The HR 200 prototype first flew on 19 July 1971, and entered production in 1973. The R2000 Alpha name was applied to a new aircraft which shared the fuselage of the HR 200, but had all new wing and tail surfaces, to allow aerobatics. The prototype R2000 Alpha flew on 15 January 1976 and production followed in 1977 to 1983. The aircraft features side-by-side seating, an innovative control stick mechanism which reduces the risk of blockage and an unusually large payload for an aerobatic aircraft, making it useful for overland trips as well. Licensed production was also undertaken in Canada.
History 1994–2004
The R2160 model was returned to production with minor modifications in 1994 by Apex Aircraft. It was stressed to +6/−3 g and has a MTOW of 900 kg. There was also a fuel injected model and a non-aerobatic 120 hp trainer.
In 2004 Alpha Aviation of New Zealand bought engineering jigs and equipment and worldwide production rights to both the Robin HR200 and Robin R2000 series. Alpha Aviation has recommenced production of the Robin R2120 as the Alpha 2000 120T and of the Robin R2160 as the Alpha 2000 160A and 160Ai. Apex continues to market the aircraft in Europe. Production of the New Zealand development began in 2006 against orders for nine aircraft and eighteen options, with capacity to build four aircraft a month. An Alpha 160A, ZK-FXY, was first off the production line, being test flown on 12 April 2006. It was subsequently used as a company demonstrator. It made its first public appearance at the 2006 Warbirds over Wanakaairshow. In January 2008 production was halted due to the liquidation of Alpha Aviation by parent company Inventis. Alpha Aviation Holdings Limited in New Zealand continues to hold the type certificate. The STC for spare parts supply was re-acquired by CEAPR in France in 2017.
As of 2006 three variants are offered. The approximate horsepower of each is indicated by the type number. ;Alpha 120T:the smallest and cheapest, envisaged as a trainer. ;Alpha 160A:a more powerful fully aerobatic trainer. ;Alpha 160Ai:a fuel injected engine and equipped for cross country touring as well as aerobatics.
