—SIAI MARCHETTI SF260 SERIES

SIAI-Marchetti SF260 Series for Sale — Buy or Sell an SF260 Trainer and Warbird Worldwide

The SIAI-Marchetti SF260 is one of the most elegant, capable, and sought-after light military trainers ever produced — an Italian-designed, all-metal low-wing monoplane that has served the air forces of more than 30 countries and captivated civilian aerobatic pilots, warbird collectors, and performance enthusiasts worldwide. With its aerodynamically refined fuselage, powerful Lycoming engine, and exceptional aerobatic certification, the SF260 delivers a flying experience that rivals purpose-built aerobatic aircraft at a fraction of the cost, while its military heritage and distinctive good looks make it one of the most visually arresting aircraft at any airshow or fly-in. SIAI-Marchetti SF260 aircraft for sale consistently attract competitive interest from serious buyers, and Airplane Trade is the premier marketplace to find and list them worldwide.

Design and Development of the SF260

The SF260 was designed by Stelio Frati — one of Italy's most gifted aircraft designers — and first flew on 15 July 1964. SIAI-Marchetti (later Aermacchi, now Leonardo) recognised the design's potential as both a civil sport aircraft and a military trainer, and began series production in 1966. The aircraft's design reflects Frati's characteristic priorities: a beautifully faired all-metal airframe with minimum drag, a side-by-side seating arrangement for instructor and student, and a wing geometry optimised for both cruise efficiency and aerobatic manoeuvring. The SF260 was selected as the primary trainer by air forces across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, and has been produced in successive improved variants continuously since the 1960s. More than 900 SF260s have been delivered worldwide, and the type remains in front-line service with numerous air forces today.

SF260 Series Variants

• SF260A / SF260B / SF260C — Original piston-powered production variants; Lycoming O-540-E4A5 engine, 260 hp; side-by-side seating; retractable tricycle gear; aerobatic (+6g / -3g); produced from 1966.
• SF260M — Military trainer variant; strengthened airframe; military avionics provisions; used by Belgian, Italian, Philippine, Tunisian, and other air forces.
• SF260W Warrior — Light attack variant with wing hardpoints for rockets, bombs, gun pods, and external fuel; used for counter-insurgency and training roles by several African and Asian air forces.
• SF260D — Improved civilian variant; Lycoming AEIO-540-D4B5 engine, 260 hp (aerobatic fuel-injected); improved systems; the preferred civilian aerobatic variant.
• SF260E — Further refined version; updated engine and systems; improved interior; currently produced as the civilian touring and aerobatic model.
• SF260TP Turbine — Turboprop variant; Allison 250-B17C engine, 317 shp; retractable gear; cruise speed 220 knots; significantly higher performance than piston variants; rare and highly sought-after.

Performance — SF260D (Piston)

• Engine — Lycoming AEIO-540-D4B5, 260 hp (fuel-injected, aerobatic)
• Maximum Speed — 270 km/h (146 knots / 168 mph)
• Cruise Speed — 246 km/h (133 knots / 153 mph) at 75% power
• Range — 1,650 km (891 nm / 1,025 miles)
• Service Ceiling — 5,000 m (16,400 ft)
• Rate of Climb — 1,800 ft/min (549 m/min)
• G-limits — +6g / -3g (aerobatic)
• MTOW — 1,300 kg (2,866 lb)
• Seating — 2 side-by-side (with optional rear seat)

Performance — SF260TP (Turbine)

• Engine — Allison 250-B17C turboprop, 317 shp
• Maximum Speed — 408 km/h (220 knots / 254 mph)
• Cruise Speed — 370 km/h (200 knots / 230 mph)
• Service Ceiling — 7,500 m (24,600 ft)
• Rate of Climb — 2,900 ft/min (884 m/min)
• G-limits — +6g / -3g (aerobatic)

The SF260 in Civilian Ownership

The SF260's transition from military service to civilian ownership is one of the most natural in warbird aviation — the aircraft's docile ground handling, side-by-side seating, and relatively modest operating costs make it genuinely accessible to experienced pilots without a military background, while its performance and aerobatic capability satisfy the most demanding. The Lycoming O-540 engine is thoroughly proven and widely supported, with parts available globally and a large network of experienced mechanics. Annual maintenance costs are moderate for a performance aircraft of this calibre, and the SF260's metal construction is durable and straightforward to inspect and repair. The aircraft's distinctive Italian styling — clean lines, elegant fairings, and military panache — makes it one of the most admired designs at any warbird gathering.

Buying an SF260 — Key Considerations

• Military Export Documentation — Verify that the aircraft has been properly demilitarised and holds civilian airworthiness certification; request complete export documentation and verify import compliance in the destination country.
• Engine Hours (SMOH) — Lycoming O-540/AEIO-540 TBO is 2,000 hours; assess hours carefully and budget $20,000-$30,000 for overhaul.
• Fatigue Life — Military SF260s are managed to airframe fatigue limits; request fatigue index records and verify remaining life against intended usage.
• Airframe Condition — Inspect for corrosion in spar attach areas and control surface hinges; military maintenance records are typically thorough but vary by country of operation.
• Aerobatic Certification — Confirm the specific aircraft is certificated for the aerobatic category; some aircraft may be certificated utility only.

Find Your SIAI-Marchetti SF260 on Airplane Trade

Airplane Trade is the premier global marketplace for the SIAI-Marchetti SF260 Series — piston SF260A/B/C/D/E and turbine SF260TP variants. Browse verified listings from warbird dealers, air force surplus specialists, and private collectors across Europe, Africa, and North America. Each listing includes engine status, fatigue life data, aerobatic certification, and direct seller contact. Find your SF260 on Airplane Trade today.