Aermacchi F-260
Encyclopedia
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 force
s, which can also arm it for use in the close-support role.
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 (62.1 mi) and 1000 km (621.4 mi) 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. Thirty SF.260EA – the most recent version – were delivered to the Italian Air Force
in 2005 for a total price of €33 million ($40 million).
On 2010 was announced Alenia request conditions to assembly the aircraft at the Argentine factory Fábrica de Aviones Córdoba.
on the airbase SLAF Anuradhapura. The SF.260TP fleet was expanded in 1990-91 with the delivery of twelve former Myanmar SF.260W.
The SF.260W fleet was withdrawn from use in 2001, being replaced by Chinese build Nanchang PT-6 aircraft. The SF.260TP fleet retired as few years later.
2 aircraft were lost in combat, listed as they follow:
By 1988 four SF.260W's were identified as being in service, two of them were overhauled one year later in France.
In November 2006 Libya supplied Chad with four SF.260W aircraft, including crew, due to tentions between Chad and Sudan over the Dafur area. One newly supplied SF.260W was shot down on 28 November its first mission in Chad by rebel forces, killing the crew.
The SF.260WL was intended for use by the Air Force Academy for pilot training, but was also used for ground support of army troops during the border war with Chad. Overall not much in known about the service life of the aircraft.
The Libyan government supported friendly countries with arms, and a number of SF.260W's were handed over to air forces like: Burkino Faso; Burundi; Nicaragua; Uganda and may be others. In 1987 Chad reported to the United Nations the destruction of 8 F.260's and the capture of 9 others during its border war with Libya. Some of these secondhand Libyan aircraft may even found their way to the US market.
Alenia Aermacchi is to support refurbishment of 12 SF.260 primary trainers for the Libyan Air Force. The work will be carried out jointly by Alenia Aermacchi and Tripoli based Libyan Italian Advanced Technology.
Alenia Aermacchi says the contract covers the overhaul of the airframe and systems of the SF.260 aircraft, including their propellers and engines. Work is to start late 2007 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. One aircraft was crushed under a tank at misrata.
Notable usage is on 7 May 2011 - Libya rebellion, when probably this plane of Libyan Air Force conducted a successful air raid over the rebel held fuel depots at Misurata setting them on fire. The NATO failed to intercept, despite the fact of introducing no-fly zone over Libya in March.
No longer in service.
In 1984-85 a reportedly 8 SF.260W's were converted to SF.260TP standard by replacing the piston engine with a turboprop engine.
The 15th Strike Wing on airbase Sangley Point received the SF.260W Warrior as an addition to the North American T-28 Trojans. They were possibly used in combat against rebel forces in the south of the Philippines. But little is known about its service life. In the early 1980s, the surviving Warriors were disarmed and transferred to the training role with 100th TW.
The Philippines Air Force signed with Agusta a contract for the delivery of 18 SF.260TP turboprops on December 31, 1991, replacing the SF.260M/W's in the training role. The first SF.260TP was noted in country on July 1, 1993.
Under "Project Layang" the air force plans to upgrade 18 SF.260M/W aircraft to the SF.260TP standard, by replacing the Lycoming piston engine with the Allison 250-B17D turboprop engine and newer avionics. The first upgraded SF.260 was delivered in 1996, no further upgraded SF.260's are reported yet.
The Philippines has finalized a deal with Alenia Aermacchi for 18 new-build SF.260E primary/basic trainers. Deliveries are expected to start in late 2010.
Eight new SF 260F have been delivered to the PAF as of Nov.2010 by Aermacchi Italy which was locally assembled by Aerotech Industries Philippines with the remaining 10 units to be deliver by April 2011.
: Burundi Air Force
: Burkina Faso Air Force: Burma Air Force – Retired: Chad Air Force
: Comoros Military Aviation
: Ethiopian Air Force
: Haitian Air Force
– Retired: Indonesian Air Force
: Irish Air Corps
– Retired: Italian Air Force
: Moroccan Air Force: Libyan Air Force
: Mauritanian Air Force
: Mexican Air Force
: Fuerza Aérea Sandinista
– Retired: Philippine Air Force
- 8 Brand new SF-260F delivered Nov.2010 by Aerotech Industries, with remaining 10 units due by April 2011.: Rhodesian Air Force: Republic of Singapore Air Force
– 14× SF.260Ms delivered in 1971 plus 12× SF.260Ws delivered in 1979 and 1981. The remaining 19 airworthy airframes were phased out in 2002 and was transferred to the Indonesian Air Force
.: Somali Aeronautical Corps
– Retired: Sri Lanka Air Force – Retired: Royal Thai Air Force
: Tunisian Air Force
: Turkish Air Force
: Ugandan Air Force (Abu Dhabi
): United Arab Emirates Air Force
: Uruguayan Air Force
: Venezuela Air Force: Zaire Air Force – Retired: Zambian Air Force
: Air Force of Zimbabwe
, Sabena
and British Midland Airways purchased the aircraft as a trainer for airliner
pilots. Air Combat USA operates 9 SF-260's.
Aircraft
An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air, or, in general, the atmosphere of a planet. An aircraft counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines.Although...
marketed as an aerobatics
Aerobatics
Aerobatics is the practice of flying maneuvers involving aircraft attitudes that are not used in normal flight. Aerobatics are performed in airplanes and gliders for training, recreation, entertainment and sport...
plane and a military trainer. It was designed by Stelio Frati
Stelio Frati
Stelio Frati was an Italian mechanical engineer and aeroplane designer. He graduated from the University of Milan as a Mechanical Engineer in 1943, and after teaching aircraft design became a freelance aircraft designer, being responsible for many well known aircraft designs...
, originally for Aviamilano
Aviamilano
Aviamilano Costruzione Aeronautiche was an Italian aircraft manufacturer established in Milan in the early 1950s. It was the original manufacturer of Stelio Frati's Falco light aircraft, although when production did not run as smoothly as Frati liked, he took the design to Aeromere instead...
, 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
Aermacchi
Alenia Aermacchi is an Italian company designing and producing trainer aircraft for military pilots.-Profile:Alenia Aermacchi has sold about 2,000 trainers to more than 40 countries and has collaborated in major international military programs....
in 1997. The military versions are popular with smaller air force
Air force
An air force, also known in some countries as an air army, is in the broadest sense, the national military organization that primarily conducts aerial warfare. More specifically, it is the branch of a nation's armed services that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an army, navy or...
s, which can also arm it for use in the close-support role.
Design and development
The design is a conventional one, featuring a low wingWing
A wing is an appendage with a surface that produces lift for flight or propulsion through the atmosphere, or through another gaseous or liquid fluid...
and tricycle undercarriage, and is often praised for its sleek lines and sporty appearance. The pilot
Aviator
An aviator is a person who flies an aircraft. The first recorded use of the term was in 1887, as a variation of 'aviation', from the Latin avis , coined in 1863 by G. de la Landelle in Aviation Ou Navigation Aérienne...
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 (62.1 mi) and 1000 km (621.4 mi) 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
Waco Aircraft Company
The Waco Aircraft Company was an aircraft manufacturer located in Troy, Ohio, USA. Between 1919 and 1947, the company produced a wide range of civilian biplanes....
aircraft company. Thirty SF.260EA – the most recent version – were delivered to the Italian Air Force
Aeronautica Militare
The Italian Air Force is the air force of the Italian Republic. It has held a prominent role in modern Italian military history...
in 2005 for a total price of €33 million ($40 million).
On 2010 was announced Alenia request conditions to assembly the aircraft at the Argentine factory Fábrica de Aviones Córdoba.
Aviamilano
- F.250 – first prototype powered by 187 kW (250 hp) Lycoming O-540Lycoming O-540|-Specifications :-See also:-External links:...
-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 LibyaLibyaLibya is an African country in the Maghreb region of North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west....
. 240 built. - SF.260W Warrior – Military version with weapons hardpoints
- SF.260SW Sea Warrior – Coast patrol, fishery protection aircraft. One built.
- SF.260B – Civilian version incorporating improvements of the SF-260M. Introduced 1974
- SF.260C – Improved version of the SF.260B. Introduced in 1977
- SF.260TP – AllisonAllison Engine CompanyThe Allison Engine Company was a U.S. aircraft engine manufacturer. In 1929, shortly after the death of James Allison, the company was purchased by the Fisher brothers. Fisher sold the company to General Motors, who owned it for most of its history...
250Rolls-Royce Model 250|-External links:*...
-B17D turbopropTurbopropA turboprop engine is a type of turbine engine which drives an aircraft propeller using a reduction gear.The gas turbine is designed specifically for this application, with almost all of its output being used to drive the propeller...
version of the SF.260C; first flown in 1980 - SF.260D – SF.260C with uprated engine and other refinements. Introduced in 1985
- SF.260E – Uprated SF.260D to compete for a USAFUnited States Air ForceThe United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
contract but later marketed to other military buyers - SF.260F – As above, with fuel-injectedFuel injectionFuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
engine (8 delivered Nov.2010 to PAF) - SF.260EA – Most recent variant for Italian Air Force. 30 built
Sri Lanka
Six SF.260TP's were delivered in 1985, to be used in the pilot training role. But were also later employed in the light attack role in the governments war against the Tamil Tigers. Two former factory demonstration aircraft were delivered in 1986 to replace lost aircraft, added by three new built aircraft in 1988. All SF.260 aircraft are based with No. 1 Flying Training WingNo. 1 Wing SLAF
No. 1 Flying Training Wing currently based at SLAF China Bay, carries out basic pilot training of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Its the oldest flying formation in the SLAF.-History:...
on the airbase SLAF Anuradhapura. The SF.260TP fleet was expanded in 1990-91 with the delivery of twelve former Myanmar SF.260W.
The SF.260W fleet was withdrawn from use in 2001, being replaced by Chinese build Nanchang PT-6 aircraft. The SF.260TP fleet retired as few years later.
2 aircraft were lost in combat, listed as they follow:
- September 13, 1990: A SLAF SF.260TP was shot down near Palay. The pilot was killed.
- July 14, 1992: A SLAF SF.260TP was shot down by LTTE. Pilot killed.
Chad
Chad informed the United Nations that during the conflict with Libya, it had destroyed eight Libyan Air Force SF.260WL's and captured nine others besides destroying and capturing other equipment. May be as many as six former Libyan SF.260WL's were pressed in the Air Force of Chad. Additional information requested.By 1988 four SF.260W's were identified as being in service, two of them were overhauled one year later in France.
In November 2006 Libya supplied Chad with four SF.260W aircraft, including crew, due to tentions between Chad and Sudan over the Dafur area. One newly supplied SF.260W was shot down on 28 November its first mission in Chad by rebel forces, killing the crew.
Libya
Became a major customer of the SIAI Marchetti SF.260 with an order of 240 Warriors, partially to be assembled in a new plant near Tripoli. How many SF.260W's were actually delivered is unknown, but deliveries started in 1977 or 1978. During the delivery, problems appeared by a US embargo on avionics. Reportedly the US made avionics were replaced by French made, which gave delays in the delivery. In the late 1970s large numbers of SF.260's were parked on Vergiate awaiting delivery.The SF.260WL was intended for use by the Air Force Academy for pilot training, but was also used for ground support of army troops during the border war with Chad. Overall not much in known about the service life of the aircraft.
The Libyan government supported friendly countries with arms, and a number of SF.260W's were handed over to air forces like: Burkino Faso; Burundi; Nicaragua; Uganda and may be others. In 1987 Chad reported to the United Nations the destruction of 8 F.260's and the capture of 9 others during its border war with Libya. Some of these secondhand Libyan aircraft may even found their way to the US market.
Alenia Aermacchi is to support refurbishment of 12 SF.260 primary trainers for the Libyan Air Force. The work will be carried out jointly by Alenia Aermacchi and Tripoli based Libyan Italian Advanced Technology.
Alenia Aermacchi says the contract covers the overhaul of the airframe and systems of the SF.260 aircraft, including their propellers and engines. Work is to start late 2007 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. One aircraft was crushed under a tank at misrata.
Notable usage is on 7 May 2011 - Libya rebellion, when probably this plane of Libyan Air Force conducted a successful air raid over the rebel held fuel depots at Misurata setting them on fire. The NATO failed to intercept, despite the fact of introducing no-fly zone over Libya in March.
Nicaragua
Between four to six SF.260W's were received by the Fuerza Aérea Sandinista as support from Libya. They may have been used in the COIN role against the Contras and in the pilot training role. No further details known. Three SF.260s surfaced in the USA on the secondhand market, a fourth is slowly being rebuilt in Guatemala.No longer in service.
Rhodesia
Despite an arms embargo, two batches of SF.260 aircraft were delivered in 1977. Because of the embargo several buying teams were travelling the world looking for suitable equipment. Through various routes 17 SF.260C and 14 SF.260W aircraft arrived. The former to be used in the training role, while the warriors were being used for light attack duties and escort of convoys.In 1984-85 a reportedly 8 SF.260W's were converted to SF.260TP standard by replacing the piston engine with a turboprop engine.
Zimbabwe
It was announced at the 1997 Paris Salon that the Air Force of Zimbabwe had ordered six F.260F aircraft, thus becoming the first operator of this new model. In June 1998 three F.260F's were seen test flying at the Aermacchi homebase of Venegono. All six should have been delivered in 1998. Little is known yet about their serials and construction numbers.Philippines
In the early 1970s an order was placed for 48 SF.260's divided between 32 SF.260M's and 16 SF.260W's. The first six SF.260's were delivered in May 1973, replacing the Beech T-34A Mentor with 100th Training Wing at airbase Fernando.The 15th Strike Wing on airbase Sangley Point received the SF.260W Warrior as an addition to the North American T-28 Trojans. They were possibly used in combat against rebel forces in the south of the Philippines. But little is known about its service life. In the early 1980s, the surviving Warriors were disarmed and transferred to the training role with 100th TW.
The Philippines Air Force signed with Agusta a contract for the delivery of 18 SF.260TP turboprops on December 31, 1991, replacing the SF.260M/W's in the training role. The first SF.260TP was noted in country on July 1, 1993.
Under "Project Layang" the air force plans to upgrade 18 SF.260M/W aircraft to the SF.260TP standard, by replacing the Lycoming piston engine with the Allison 250-B17D turboprop engine and newer avionics. The first upgraded SF.260 was delivered in 1996, no further upgraded SF.260's are reported yet.
The Philippines has finalized a deal with Alenia Aermacchi for 18 new-build SF.260E primary/basic trainers. Deliveries are expected to start in late 2010.
Eight new SF 260F have been delivered to the PAF as of Nov.2010 by Aermacchi Italy which was locally assembled by Aerotech Industries Philippines with the remaining 10 units to be deliver by April 2011.
Military Operators
: Belgian Air Component: Royal Brunei Air ForceRoyal Brunei Air Force
The Royal Brunei Air Force or Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei as it is known by its Malay name, is the air force of the sultanate of Brunei. It is mainly based at the Rimba Air Base within the Brunei International Airport...
: Burundi Air Force
Military of Burundi
The Military of Burundi consists of the Army and the Gendarmerie. The naval and air units are incorporated within the Army.Army equipment includes BTR-40, Panhard AML, Shorland armoured car, and Walid armoured vehicles, ZPUair defence guns, and Heckler & Koch G3 and FN MAG small arms.- Small Arms...
: Burkina Faso Air Force: Burma Air Force – Retired: Chad Air Force
Chad Air Force
The Chadian Air Force, in French Force Aérienne Tchadienne, was formed in 1961 as the Escadrille Nationale Tchadienne , and was given its current name in 1973...
: Comoros Military Aviation
Military of Comoros
The Comorian Security Force consist of a small standing army and a 500-member police force, as well as a 500-member defense force. A defense treaty with France provides naval resources for protection of territorial waters, training of Comorian military personnel, and air surveillance...
: Ethiopian Air Force
Ethiopian Air Force
The Ethiopian Air Force is the air arm of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and is tasked with protecting the air space, providing support to the ground forces as well as assisting during national emergencies.- Early years :...
: Haitian Air Force
Military of Haiti
The country of Haiti currently has no regular military. The former Haitian Armed Forces were demobilized.Haiti's current forces consist of the Haitian National Police, which has several paramilitary units, a highly trained and equipped SWAT team, and the Haitian Coast Guard...
– Retired: Indonesian Air Force
Indonesian Air Force
The Indonesian Air Force is the air force branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.The Indonesian Air Force has 34,930 personnel equipped with 110 combat aircraft including Su-27 and Su-30.-Before Indonesian independence :...
: Irish Air Corps
Irish Air Corps
The Air Corps is the air component of the Defence Forces of Ireland providing support to the Army and Naval Service, together with non-military air services such as search and rescue and the Ministerial Air Transport Service...
– Retired: Italian Air Force
Aeronautica Militare
The Italian Air Force is the air force of the Italian Republic. It has held a prominent role in modern Italian military history...
: Moroccan Air Force: Libyan Air Force
Libyan Air Force
The Libyan Air Force is the branch of the Libyan Armed Forces responsible for aerial warfare. In 2010, before the 2011 Libyan civil war, the Libyan Air Force personnel strength was estimated at 18,000, with an inventory of 374 combat capable aircraft operating from 13 military airbases in...
: Mauritanian Air Force
Military of Mauritania
The military forces of Mauritania are listed by the IISS Military Balance 2007 as comprising 15,870 personnel with an additional 5,000 paramilitaries....
: Mexican Air Force
Mexican Air Force
The Mexican Air Force is the aviation branch of the Mexican Army and depends on the National Defense Secretariat . Since 2008, its commander is Gen...
: Fuerza Aérea Sandinista
Nicaraguan Air Force
The Nicaraguan Air Force continues the former Sandinista air units. Before 1979 the Nicaraguan National Guard had some air units .-Air force:...
– Retired: Philippine Air Force
Philippine Air Force
The Philippine Air Force is the air force of the Republic of the Philippines, and one of the three main services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas....
- 8 Brand new SF-260F delivered Nov.2010 by Aerotech Industries, with remaining 10 units due by April 2011.: Rhodesian Air Force: Republic of Singapore Air Force
Republic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the air arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command...
– 14× SF.260Ms delivered in 1971 plus 12× SF.260Ws delivered in 1979 and 1981. The remaining 19 airworthy airframes were phased out in 2002 and was transferred to the Indonesian Air Force
Indonesian Air Force
The Indonesian Air Force is the air force branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.The Indonesian Air Force has 34,930 personnel equipped with 110 combat aircraft including Su-27 and Su-30.-Before Indonesian independence :...
.: Somali Aeronautical Corps
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
– Retired: Sri Lanka Air Force – Retired: Royal Thai Air Force
Royal Thai Air Force
The Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. Since its establishment in 1913, as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force had engaged in many major and minor battles. During the Vietnam war era, the air force has been developed with USAF-aid...
: Tunisian Air Force
Tunisian Air Force
The Tunisian Air Force is one of the branches of the Tunisian Armed Forces.-Air Force:The Tunisian Air Force was established in 1959, three years after Tunisia regained its independence from France. It took deliveries of its first aircraft, eight Saab 91 Safirs, in 1960, later to be complemented...
: Turkish Air Force
Turkish Air Force
The Turkish Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the Turkish Armed Forces. It ranks 3rd in NATO in terms of fleet size behind the USAF and Royal Air Force with a current inventory of 798 aircraft .-Initial stages:...
: Ugandan Air Force (Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi , literally Father of Gazelle, is the capital and the second largest city of the United Arab Emirates in terms of population and the largest of the seven member emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western...
): United Arab Emirates Air Force
United Arab Emirates Air Force
The United Arab Emirates Air Force is the air force of the United Arab Emirates . Its predecessor was established in 1968, when the Emirates were still under British rule. Since then, it has undergone a continual reorganization and expansion in terms of both capability and numbers of aircraft...
: Uruguayan Air Force
Uruguayan Air Force
The Uruguayan Air Force is one of the three main branches of the Armed Forces of Uruguay under the Uruguayan Ministry of Defense. The current head of the force is General of the Air Enrique A...
: Venezuela Air Force: Zaire Air Force – Retired: Zambian Air Force
Zambian Air Force
The Zambian Air Force is the air force of Zambia.Following the creation of the Republic of Zambia in 1964, Zambian military avaition was organized as the Zambia Air Wing which lasted until 1968. The Zambian Air Force was then established....
: Air Force of Zimbabwe
Air Force of Zimbabwe
The Air Force of Zimbabwe is the air force of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. It was known as the Rhodesian Air Force until 1980. The Air Force of Zimbabwe saw service in the Mozambican Civil War in 1985 and the Second Congo War of 1998–2001....
Civil Operators
Out of some 860 SF-260s produced, around 180 have been sold to civil users. Most of these are in private hands, although at least three airlines, AlitaliaAlitalia
Alitalia - Linee Aeree Italiane S.p.A. , in its later stages known as Alitalia - Linee Aeree Italiane S.p.A. in Extraordinary Administration, was the former Italian flag carrier...
, Sabena
Sabena
SABENA was the national airline of Belgium from 1923 to 2001, with its base at Brussels National Airport. After its bankruptcy in 2001, the newly formed SN Brussels Airlines took over part of SABENA's assets in February 2002, which then became Brussels Airlines...
and British Midland Airways purchased the aircraft as a trainer for airliner
Airliner
An airliner is a large fixed-wing aircraft for transporting passengers and cargo. Such aircraft are operated by airlines. Although the definition of an airliner can vary from country to country, an airliner is typically defined as an aircraft intended for carrying multiple passengers in commercial...
pilots. Air Combat USA operates 9 SF-260's.