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Leonardo (SIAI-Marchetti) SF.260

1966 COLD WAR MODERN AIRCRAFT

History

SIAI-Marchetti (now Leonardo) SF. The 260 is a base trainer/light attack platform from Italy. The plane was designed by a certain Stelio Frati in the early 1960s to create a light aerobatic platform. The first flight took place on July 15, 1964, and the aircraft was certified in April 1966.

The product and its rights were subsequently purchased by SIAI-Marchetti, which ended up in the inventories of many world aviation services, including the Italian Air Force. Since production began in 1964, the series has reached more than 870 units.

Initial prototypes were built under the Aviamilano brand label, including the F.250 and F.260. The former was powered by a 250 hp Lycoming O-540-AID engine and flew until it disappeared in a crash in Genoa in November 1965. The latter was powered by a Lycoming O-540-E4A5 engine.

The line is owned by SIAI-Marchetti, starting with the first production version SF. 260, which follows the form and function of the original F. 260 prototype. Then came the limited production SF-260A. The form of the military flight instructor became the SF.

260M and features reinforced structural components for harsh military service. The Italian Air Force adopted this model as the SF. 260AM and got 33 types. The same version as SF is exported to Libya. 260ML and 240 delivered.

San Francisco. The 260W Warrior became another military model that was used to transport ordnance and provided hardpoints for light strike action.

San Francisco. As the name suggests, the 260SW "Sea Warrior" was developed as an example of a civilian market patrol, primarily for service in coastal areas (fishing).

Another form of the civilian market is SF. The 260B appeared in 1974 and brought the modifications made to the SF. 260M model. Its improved version became SF. 260C from 1977. In 1980, SF appeared. The 260TP features an Allison 250-B17D turboprop engine for increased performance and capability. This is based on SF. 260C frame.

1985, San Francisco. A 260D model was introduced, essentially a C model with an upgraded engine and other improvements. The upgraded SF is close behind. 260E, a form of militarization designed to secure military market orders in training roles. It went into a USAF program and failed. San Francisco.

The 260F introduced fuel injection and SF. 260EA, number 30, adopted by the Italian Air Force as a modern SF. 260 coaches. The current production model is the SF-260 (note the dash) and appeared under the brand label Alenia Aermacchi until it was renamed the Leonardo.

San Francisco. From Belgium and Burkina Faso to Zambia and Zimbabwe, the 260 has achieved remarkable success worldwide. A small portion of the total production goes to the civilian sector.

Composition of SF. The 260 is the norm for stunt trainers. The single engine is mounted in the bow section and the cockpit is located directly aft. A large, light-framed canopy is used to provide optimal viewing. The hull is smooth and tight around the underlying frame.

It tapers at the stern where there is a large single vertical fin with a low mounted horizontal plane attached. The wing main aircraft is located amidships, and retractable wheeled tricycle landing gear is used for ground operations. Passengers can sit in the cockpit with the pilot.

Curb weight is 1,500 lbs and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 2,865 lbs. Dimensions include an overall length of 23 feet, a wingspan of 27 feet and a height of 8.5 feet.

Performance specs include a top speed of 275 mph, a cruise speed of 205 mph and a range of up to 1,275 miles. Service is capped at 19,000 feet and rate of climb is reported at 1,800 feet per minute.