Sponsor Message:

The Aermacchi F-260

Country of origin

Italy

Photos

Click for large version.
Photo © Vancrayenest Benjamin
More photos of Aermacchi F-260

Click for large version.
Photo © Mariano Kubota
More cockpit photos...

Powerplants

SF-260A & C - One 195kW (260hp) Lycoming O-540-E4A5 flat six piston engine driving a two blade constant speed prop.

Performance

SF-260A - Max cruising speed 345km/h (186kt). Initial rate of climb 1770ft/min. Service ceiling 21,370ft. Range with max fuel 2050km (1107nm).
SF-260C - Max speed 347km/h (187kt), max cruising speed 330km/h (178kt). Initial rate of climb 1790ft/min. Service ceiling 19,000ft. Max range 1490km (805nm).

Weights

SF-260A - Empty 700kg (1543lb), max takeoff (aerobatic) 1000kg (2205lb), max takeoff (utility) 1102kg (2430lb).

Dimensions

SF-260A - Wing span over tip tanks 8.40m (27ft 7in), length 7.02m (23ft 0in), height 2.60m (8ft 6in). Wing area 10.1m2 (108.5sq ft).
SF-260C - Wing span 8.35m (27ft 5in), length 7.10m (23ft 4in), height 2.41m (7ft 11in). Wing area 10.1m2 (108.7sq ft).

Capacity

Typical seating for two side by side, plus rear seat capable of seating one adult or two small children.

Production

Over 860 SF-260s have been built (750 by SIAI-Marchetti) of which approximately 170 built for civil customers.

Type

Two seat trainer and high performance light aircraft

History

The nimble SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 has sold in modest numbers to civil operators worldwide but is one of the most successful postwar two seat piston military trainers.

The SF-260 was designed by famed Italian aircraft designer Stelio Frati (who was responsible for a number of renowned light aircraft designs) in the early 1960s. It was originally flown in 185kW (250hp) Lycoming O-540 powered form by the Aviamilano company as the F-250. However until its takeover by Aermacchi in 1997 SIAI-Marchetti undertook all production (initially under licence, before later assuming full responsibility for the program) of the aircraft as the 195kW (260hp) O-540 powered SF-260. The second aircraft to fly was the first built by SIAI-Marchetti and the first powered by the more powerful version of the O-540. This second prototype first flew in 1966.

The initial civil production models were the SF-260 and SF-260A, and a number were sold in the USA as the Waco Meteor. In 1974 production switched to the SF-260B with improvements first developed for the military SF-260M, including a stronger undercarriage, a redesigned wing leading edge and a taller fin. The B was soon followed by the further improved SF-260C, with increased span wing.

While the SF-260 has been further developed into E and F forms these have been sold to military operators only. The 260kW (350shp) Allison (now Rolls-Royce) 250-B17D turboprop powered SF-260TP meanwhile has been built since the early 1980s, but it too has been sold only to military customers. Nevertheless Italian civil certification was awarded in October 1993, opening the door for possible civil sales.

In civil use the SF-260 is now regarded as something of a classic thoroughbred. Its clean aerodynamic lines, retractable undercarriage and relatively powerful engine guarantee spirited performance.

In 1997 Aermacchi took over SIAI-Marchetti and continues to market the aircraft as the F-260, with low rate production continuing against military orders.

Related links

Back to Aircraft Data & History section.

Back to frontpage of Airliners.net

Back to Aircraft Data & History section.

The backbone of this section is from the The International Directory of Civil Aircraft by Gerard Frawley and used with permission. To get your own copy of the book click here.