SIAI-Marchetti SF-260

The SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 (now Leonardo SF-260) is an Italian light aircraft designed for military pilot training, aerobatics, and light close air support. Originally designed by Stelio Frati and flown as the Aviamilano F.250 prototype on 15 July 1964, production rights were acquired by SIAI-Marchetti shortly thereafter. Entering service in the late 1960s, the type was widely adopted by military air forces as a trainer and light attack platform due to its combat-like handling and flight characteristics.

Development

Designed as an all-metal aircraft, the SF.260 evolved from Frati's earlier Caproni Trento F-5 and Falco F8L designs. SIAI-Marchetti purchased the manufacturing rights from Aviamilano following the maiden flight, later transferring production to Aermacchi in 1997. Structural improvements led to the military-standard SF.260C in the late 1970s, followed by the turboprop-powered SF.260TP in 1980. The fuel-injected SF.260E and normally aspirated SF.260F were introduced in the 1990s, with licensed assembly also taking place in Turkey and the Philippines. A total of 976 aircraft were produced across all variants through 2017.

Design

The SF.260 is a low-wing cantilever monoplane constructed with a flush-riveted metal airframe and retractable tricycle undercarriage. Initial production models are powered by a 260 hp Lycoming O-540 piston engine, while later models use an Allison Model 250 turboprop flat-rated at 350 shp. The cockpit accommodates up to three occupants under a glazed canopy, with military training typically conducted from the right-hand seat. Wingtip fuel tanks feature aerodynamic vanes to maintain airflow over the ailerons during stalls, though performing aerobatic maneuvers requires the tip tanks to be empty, limiting endurance to approximately 1.5 hours.

Armament

Armed military variants, such as the SF.260W Warrior, feature underwing hardpoints for attaching combat stores and equipment. In light attack roles, the aircraft can carry machine gun pods, unguided rockets, and bombs across two or four hardpoints.

Operational History

The SF.260 has served with more than 20 military air arms worldwide. Libya was the largest customer, purchasing 240 SF.260WLs that saw extensive ground-attack usage during the Chadian-Libyan conflict between 1978 and 1987, where several were captured or destroyed by Chadian forces. Burkina Faso deployed Warriors during the 1986 Agacher Strip War against Mali, while Rhodesia used the type for light attack and convoy escort duties during the late 1970s. Additional air forces using the SF.260 in active operations or training include the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Belgium, and Italy.

The Philippine Air Force, which received its current SF-260s in 2010-2011, lost two of them on 23 October 2026 when they went down inside the perimeter of Fernando Air Base in Lipa City during a formation flyby training flight, killing all four pilots, the service said. It was the type's second fatal accident in Philippine service that year, after a crash near Tuba, Benguet, on 20 May. According to the Daily Tribune, the remaining SF-260s were grounded pending the investigation, and the Air Force said the two aircraft involved were well within their airframe operating hours.

Variants

• SF.260M: Militarised trainer variant featuring a strengthened airframe and modified aerodynamics, first flown in 1970.

• SF.260W Warrior: Armed light combat variant based on the SF.260M, fitted with two or four underwing hardpoints.

• SF.260C: Upgraded military variant introduced in 1977 with a strengthened wing, re-profiled aerofoil, and elongated rudder.

• SF.260TP: Turboprop variant powered by an Allison Model 250 engine, first flown in 1980.

• SF.260EA: Screening and primary trainer variant developed for the Italian Air Force, with 30 units delivered in 2005.