SIAI-Marchetti SF-260D (c/n 842, ST-42 of the Belgian Air Component), static display during spotter day 2024 at Kleine-Brogel air base, Kleine-Brogel, September 2024.
In the early 1960s, Stelio Frati, an Italian mechanical engineer and aeroplane designer, developed a light sport and training aircraft, designated F.250. The aeroplane was partly based on his previous designs, such as Caproni Trento F-5 jet trainer and Falco F8L lightweight aerobatic special.
The new aircraft was a three-seat, all-metal low-wing cantilever monoplane, equipped with retractable tricycle undercarriage and powered by 250 hp Lycoming O-540-AID engine. Elegant shapes of sport aircraft and ability to perform advanced aerobatics were one of the main features of the Frati´s aeroplane, as well as its unique jet-like flight characteristics.
On 15th July 1964, the aeroplane successfully performed its maiden flight. Initially, the F.250 had to be manufactured by Aviamilano aviation plant, the same which produced the aforementioned Falco F8L. However, the nicely designed aircraft sparked interest of SIAI-Marchetti and finally, the company acquired rights to build the Frati´s new trainer, now designated SF-260 and powered by a bit more powerful Lycoming O-540-E4A5, generating 260 hp.
That acquisition proved to be the best solution. Manufactured under one of the most known Italian aviation brands – although in the 1960 being already just a shadow of its interwar fame – the SF-260 quickly became a market success. The aircraft was purchased by several military customers from all over the world and used not only for training purposes but also as a light attack aircraft. At the same time, Aviamilano failed to deal with the F8L production and rights to manufacture the Falco were later taken over by the Aeromere company.
In 1997, SIAI-Marchetti was acquired by the Aermacchi company, which later merged with Alenia and finally in 2003 became a part of Finmeccanica Group (now Leonardo). Nevertheless, despite the abovementioned changes in ownership, the SF-260 remained in production until 2017.
Over the years, several modifications and upgrades of the original design were developed. In the late 1970s, the initial model SF-260A was replaced by improved SF-260C, designed to better align with requirements of the military market. That model was also developed into two variants of light-attack aeroplanes, SF-260W Warrior and SF-260SW Sea Warrior.
Other versions of the aeroplane included SF-260TP equipped with turboprop engine, SF-260E (acquired by the Italian Air Force as the SF-260EA) with enlarged canopy and new fuel system, SF-260F with fuel-injected engine, as well as two civilian variants designated SF-260B and SF-260D, respectively.
In total, almost 980 examples of all aircraft from the SF-260 family were built, including prototypes and modifications. The aeroplane was acquired by approximately thirty-five air forces and law enforcement agencies all over the world. In majority of them, the SF-260 is still in active service. About 180 examples of the aircraft were sold to private customers, including Alitalia and Sabena airlines, which used the SF-260 for pilot training purposes.
The SF-260 was also the choice of some aerobatic teams, such as Alpi Eagles (Italy, 1982-1990), Swallows (Belgium, 1973-1983, 1985-1997), Hardship Red and later Red Devils Display Team (Belgium, 2011-2024), as well as civilian Niebergall Duo Display from Germany.
In 1969, Belgium ordered thirty-six examples of the SF-260M (also known as the SF-260MB, the letters in the type name stand for ´military´ and ´Belgium´) to replace the country´s then current military trainer, Stampe-Vertongen SV.4. Then, in 1991, nine examples of SF-260D were purchased additionally.
The SF-260 aircraft remains in active service with the Belgian Air Component until today, although already in 2020, it was decided to open competition for their successor. Initially, the SF-260 were intended to be retired until the end of 2023 but process of selection of the new Belgian training aircraft was delayed and the Italian aeroplane is still on duty there.
However, the days of the SF-260 service in Belgian military aviation are already counted and soon the aeroplane is believed to be replaced by Diamond Dart 550. Regrettably, the generational change will also mean the end of the Red Devils Display Team activity. Initially, the team had to be disbanded at the end of 2024, although there are still some speculations the Red Devils could fly through one more season.
The ST-42 aircraft, featured within our Photo of the Week series, comes from the aforementioned second Belgian acquirement. In September of 2024, this SF-260D was exhibited during the spotter event organised at the Kleine-Brogel air base, where our photo was taken. At that time, the aeroplane wore a tail art celebrating the 50th anniversary of the SF-260 service with the Belgian Air Component.
