Robin began development of the R 3000 in the late
1970s as part of a model range modernisation
drive. Robin originally proposed offering a wide
range of R 3000 models, although only a few have
seen production. Models that were proposed but
never saw the light of day include the R 3180S
with a turbocharged engine and retractable
undercarriage; the fixed gear, but turbocharged R
3180T; the R 3180GT1 and R 3180GT2 with a larger
cabin (the GT1 would have been turbocharged, the
GT2 turbocharged with retractable gear); and the R
3140T with a solid cabin roof.
A 1981 agreement saw
Aerospatiale, GA manufacturer Socata's parent,
become responsible for R 3000 marketing between
1983 and 1987, which meant that Robin concentrated
on lower power models so as to not compete with
Socata's TB range (described separately), and
plans for the higher performance models were
dropped.
The metal construction R 3000 features a Jodel based wing and forward sliding cockpit
canopy and an aerodynamically efficient airframe,
and is distinguishable by its T-tail. The first R
3000 model to fly was the R 3140, its first flight
occurred on December 8 1980, a second prototype
flew in June 1981 and introduced the definitive
tapered wings. Production aircraft have been
delivered since 1985.
The R 3140, now the R
3000/140, has been joined in production by the two
seat 87kW (116hp) O235 powered R 3000/100; the
three seat R 3120; R 3000/120 (R3120); four seat
105kW (140hp) powered R 3000/140; and the 135kW
(180hp) R 3000/180R glider tug. Current production
is of the R 3000/140 and R 3000/160, a development
of the R 3000/120 (which went of production in
1988).
Powerplants
R 3000/100 - One 87kW (116hp) Lycoming O235 flat
four piston engine driving a two blade fixed pitch
propeller. R 3000/160 - One 135kW (180hp) Textron
Lycoming O320D2A flat four.
Performance
R 3000/100 - Max speed 230km/h (124kt),
max cruising speed 210km/h (113kt),
normal cruising speed 200km/h (108kt).
Initial rate of climb 590ft/min.
Service ceiling 13,000ft.
Range with standard fuel and no reserves 1120km
(605nm), with optional fuel 1420km (767nm).
R 3000/160 - Max speed 270km/h (146kt),
max cruising speed 255km/h (138kt),
economical cruising speed at 65% power 238km/h
(128kt).
Initial rate of climb 875ft/min.
Service ceiling 15,000ft.
Range with standard fuel at 75% power cruising
speed 1490km (804nm), at 65% power cruising speed
1610km (868nm).
Dimensions
Wing span 9.81m (32ft 2in),
length 7.51m (24ft 8in),
height 2.66m (8ft 9in).
Wing area 14.5m2 (155.8sq ft).
Capacity
Seating for two in R 3000/100, three in R 3000/120
and four in R 2000/140 and R 3000/160.
Production
Approximately 75 examples of the two versions of
the R 3000 had been delivered.