SIAI-Marchetti SF260s
| SF.260 | |
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| An Italian Air Force SF.260 | |
| Role | Trainer/Light attack |
| Manufacturer |
SIAI-Marchetti Aermacchi Alenia Aermacchi Leonardo S.p.A. |
| Designer | Stelio Frati |
| First flight | 15 July 1964 |
| Introduction | April 1966 (FAA certification) |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users |
Italian Air Force Turkish Air Force Mexican Air Force Philippine Air Force |
| Produced | 1964–present |
| Number built | 870+ (2005) |
| Unit cost |
$185,000 (1984)
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 Footage of SF260 Aerobatic Team Breitling Devils during training at Thiene Airport, Italy
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Mock combat involving an SF260 in a Hollywood movie
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In-cockpit view of a SF260 inflight
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The SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 (now Leonardo SF-260) is an Italian light aircraft which has been commonly marketed as a military trainer and aerobatics aircraft.
The SF.260 was designed by Italian aircraft designer Stelio Frati, while production work originally performed by Milan-based aviation manufacturer Aviamilano. On 15 July 1964, the first prototype performed its maiden flight (then designated F.260). Shortly thereafter, responsibility for production was transferred to SIAI Marchetti, who had purchased the rights to the design; manufacturing continued to be performed by this firm until the company was bought by Aermacchi in 1997.
The SF.260 has been largely sold to military customers as a trainer and light combat aircraft. In addition, there have been limited civil sales to private operators; during the late 1960s, the type was marketed in the United States under the name Waco Meteor. Armed military versions, sold as the SF.260W Warrior, proved to be popular with smaller air forces, which could arm the type for use in the close air support role. Both piston-powered and turboprop-powered models have been developed.
During the early 1960s, Italian aircraft designer Stelio Frati commenced work upon a new three-seat aerobatic design, which was primarily intended to serve as a sport aircraft. Unlike many of its peers of the era, it was developed to possess aerobatic capabilities akin to contemporary combat aircraft, as well as being equipped for instrument flight rules (IFR) flight. This design drew heavily upon his previous projects, including the jet-powered Caproni Trento F-5 prototype trainer and the Sequoia Falco twin-seat aerobatic aircraft, sharing the same wing and a similar structure to the Falco. The envisioned aircraft, initially designated as the F.250 due to the horse power of its engine, was Frati's first all-metal aircraft.
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