History:
After being built in Italy in 1990, the aircraft was purchase by Frank Strickler (the US importer of Marchettis). The airplane flew to the USA in 1990 with a few other Marchettis. It was leased to the United States Air Force for evaluation for their Enhanced Flight Screening program. After testing and review, the Air Force selected the Slingsby Firefly T-3A. The aircraft was subsequently sold to Desert Aces in Las Vegas to use as a “fighter” in their air combat operation. Desert Aces ceased operations and the aircraft was sold to Dudley Fort. Dudley began the slow restoration process to an aircraft that was well used. He has a passion for the aircraft and his web site is still up, (http://sf260w.com). With the help of Alex Itenson (an SF 260 historian), he repainted the aircraft to represent the Belgian Air Force Marchettis. I have added the squadron markings and detail work, continuing with the restoration. The Wolf’s head on the tail is the emblem of the 1st wing. The Egyptian Falcon on the left side represents the 5th Egyptian Falcon squadron. The Belgian Air Force currently operate 32 Marchettis.
Registration Number | Date of Manufacture |
N406FD | 1990 |
Aircraft Role | Nickname |
Trainer / Tactical Support | |
Aircraft Type: | Wingspan: |
Siai Marchetti SF260D | 27.39 Feet |
Overall length: | Empty weight: |
23.29 Feet | |
Gross weight: | Fuel capacity: |
2425 Lbs | 64.1 Gal |
Oil capacity | Engine type: |
12 Qts | Lycoming O-540-E4A5 260HP |
Propeller type: | Max Speed |
Hartzell HC-C2YK-1BF 2 Blade Constant Speed | 236 Kts |
Rate of Climb | Cruise Speed |
1770 Fpm | 180 Kts |
Service Ceiling | Number of Crew |
3 | |
Armament | Bomb Load |
A variety of bombs, rockets, 30 cal machine gun pods | 661 Lbs on 2 external hard points. |
Number Built | Number Surviving |
Over 1000. Less than 100 in the USA. |
Restoration Images
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Links
http://sf260w.com
http://airpower-aviation.com
http://www.siai-marchetti.nl
Printable QR Codes for: Siai Marchetti SF260:
Please read before printing the Avery style labels
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