Aermacchi SF.260

Type                  Trainer
Manufacturer     SIAI Marchetti/Aermacchi
Designed by      Stelio Frati
Maiden flight     15 July 1964
Number built     860

The Aermacchi SF.260 is a light aircraft marketed as an aerobatics plane and a military trainer. It was designed by Stelio Frati, originally for Aviamilano, which flew the first prototype of it (then designated F.260) on July 15, 1964. Actual production was undertaken when SIAI Marchetti purchased the design soon thereafter and continued with this firm until the company was bought by Aermacchi in 1997. The military versions are popular with smaller air forces, which can also arm it for use in the close-support role.

The design is a conventional one, featuring a low wing and tricycle undercarriage, and is often praised for its sleek lines and sporty appearance. The pilot and up to two passengers (or pilot and one student in trainer versions) are accommodated under a broad, extensively glazed canopy.

The SF.260 holds the airspeed records for aircraft in its class over the 100 km (62 mile) and 1,000 km (621 mile) closed circuits.

The aircraft was marketed in the United States in the late 1960s as the Waco Meteor, although it was in no way connected with the WACO aircraft company. In 2005, 30 SF.260EA – the most recent version – have been delivered to the Italian air force for a total price of 33 million € (40 million $).

Variants

Aviamilano
F.250 – first prototype powered by 187 kW (250 hp) Lycoming O-540-AID
F.260 – two prototypes powered by 194 kW (260 hp) Lycoming O-540-E4A5

SIAI Marchetti
SF.260 – Production version of the F.260
SF.260A – Initial production version. Built in small numbers.
SF.260M – Militarised version with strengthened airframe and improved aerodynamics
SF.260AM – Italian Air Force version. 33 built.
SF 260ML – Export version for Libya. 240 built.
SF.260W Warrior – Military version with weapons hardpoints
SF.260SW Sea Warrior – Coast patrol, fishery protection aircraft. One built.
SF-260B – Civil version incorporating improvements of the SF-260M. Introduced 1974
SF-260C – Improved version of the SF-260B. Introduced 1977
SF-260TP – Allison 250-B17D turboprop version of the SF-260C first flown 1980
SF-260D – SF-260C with uprated engine and other refinements. Introduced 1985
SF-260E – Uprated SF-260D to compete for a USAF contract but later marketed to other military buyers
SF-260F – As above, with fuel-injected engine

SF-260A & C – One 195kW (260hp) Lycoming O-540-E4A5 flat six piston engine driving a two blade constant speed prop.
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-260A – Empty 700kg (1543lb), max takeoff (aerobatic) 1000kg (2205lb), max takeoff (utility) 1102kg (2430lb).
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).

General characteristics (SF-260A)
Crew: one pilot
Capacity: two passengers
Length: 7.02m (23ft 0in)
Wingspan: 8.40m (27ft 7in).
Height: height 2.60m (8ft 6in)
Wing area: 10.1m2 (108.5sq ft).
Empty weight: 700kg (1543lb)
Max takeoff weight: (aerobatic) 1000kg (2205lb), (utility) 1102kg (2430lb).
Powerplant: 1× Lycoming O-540-E4A5, 195 kW (260 hp)

Performance (SF-260A)
Maximum speed: 345km/h (186kt).
Range: 2050km (1107nm).
Service ceiling: 21,370ft.
Rate of climb: Initial 1770 ft/min.

General characteristics (SF-260C)
Crew: one, pilot
Capacity: two passengers
Length: 7.10 m (23 ft 4 in)
Wingspan: 8.35 m (27 ft 5 in)
Height: 2.41 m (7 ft 11 in)
Wing area: 10.1 m² (109 ft²)
Empty weight: 755 kg (1,664 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 1,102 kg (2,430 lb)
Powerplant: 1× Lycoming O-540-E4A5, 195 kW (260 hp)

Performance (SF-260C)
Maximum speed: 347 km/h (187 knots, 215 mph)
Range: 2,050 km (1,107 NM, 1,274 mi)
Service ceiling 5,790 m (19,000 ft)
Rate of climb: 546 m/min (1,791 ft/min)