Aircrafttotal Encyclopedia


A SF.260 of the Belgian Air Force
Role	Trainer/Light attack
Manufacturer	SIAI-Marchetti Aermacchi Alenia Aermacchi Leonardo S.p.A.
Designer	Stelio Frati
First flight	15 July 1964
Introduction	April 1966 (FAA certification)
Status	In service
Primary users	Italian Air Force Libyan Air Force Philippine Air Force Belgian Air Force
Produced	1964–2017
Number built	900 (2012)

The SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 (now Leonardo SF-260) is an Italian light aircraft which has been commonly marketed as a military trainer and aerobatics aircraft. The SF.260 was designed by Italian aircraft designer Stelio Frati, while production work originally performed by Milan-based aviation manufacturer Aviamilano. On 15 July 1964, the first prototype performed its maiden flight (then designated F.260). Shortly thereafter, responsibility for production was transferred to SIAI Marchetti, who had purchased the rights to the design; manufacturing continued to be performed by this firm until the company was bought by Aermacchi in 1997.

During the early 1960s, Italian aircraft designer Stelio Frati commenced work upon a new three-seat aerobatic design, which was primarily intended to serve as a sport aircraft Unlike many of its peers of the era, it was developed to possess aerobatic capabilities akin to contemporary combat aircraft, as well as being equipped for instrument flight rules (IFR) flight. This design drew heavily upon his previous projects, including the jet-powered Caproni Trento F-5 prototype trainer and the Falco F8L twin-seat aerobatic aircraft, sharing the same wing and a similar structure to the Falco. The envisioned aircraft, initially designated as the F.250 due to the horsepower of its engine, was Frati's first all-metal aircraft.

Into flight

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. First flown 1970.
- SF.260AM – Italian Air Force version, 33 built.
- SF.260MC - Version of SF.260M for Zaire.
- SF.260MP - Version of SF.260M for Philippines.
- SF.260MS - Version of SF.260M for Singapore.
- SF.260MT - Version of SF.260M for Thailand.
- SF.260MZ - Version of SF.260M for Zambia.

Aeromacchi Leonardo

SIAI-Marchetti SF.260
(now Leonardo SF-260)

General Info

Crew: 2 Capacity: 1 passenger Length: 7.10 m (23 ft 4 in) Wingspan: 8.35 m over tip-tanks Height: 2.41 m (7 ft 11 in) Wing area: 10.10 m² (108.7 sq ft)

Powerplant

Empty weight: 755 kg Gross weight: 1,140 kg Max takeoff weight: 1,200 kg Fuel capacity: internal: 235 L Powerplant: 1 × Textron Lycoming O-540-E4A5 / Textron Lycoming AEIO-540-D4A5 6-cylinder

Performance

Maximum speed: 333 km/h at sea level
Cruise speed: 300 km/h (190 mph, 160 kn) at 75% power at 1,500 m (4,900 ft)
Stall speed: 126 km/h (78 mph, 68 kn) flaps and landing gear down
Never exceed speed: 436 km/h
Range: 1,650 km 2 crew,
Service ceiling: 4,700 m
g limits: +6 -3 at max aerobatic T-O weight

Armament

Special Links Aeromacchi Leonardo

Links to Youtube & Others

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SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 (now Leonardo SF-260)

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Youtube Link

Learn all about the Aermacchi MB-339 with Curator of Aviation Eric Boehm.

SIAI-Marchetti SF.260
(now Leonardo SF-260)