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SF-260
TP turboprop basic military trainer aircraft |
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The
SF-260 TP is a light aircraft marketed as basic military trainer aircraft
The SF260TP is light aircraft designed and manufactured by the Italian
aviation Company Alenia Aermacchi. The SF-260TP is the turboprop variant
of the classic SF-260 family which has accumulated over two million
flight hours with 27 Air Forces and several civil operators. Its current
production standard reflects the experience gained from its unmatched
worldwide manufacturing and operating record. With a production run
in excess of 900 aircraft operating in the most diverse climatic environments,
from hot deserts to tropical regions, the SF-260 family offers proven
and field experience as a fully aerobatic screener-primary trainer.
In addition the SF-260TP also offers excellent teaching effectiveness
and unbeatable cost/effectiveness in the basic training role. Field-verified
military mission mix and recorded load spectrum allowed the SF-260TP
airframe to be optimized to raise fatigue life up to 15,000 flight hours
as well as aerobatics up to the 1,200 kg maximum clean take-off gross
weight. The basic SF-260TP version is certified to FAR Part 23 (Aerobatics
Category) by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and is covered
by a US FAA Supplemental Type Certificate. In January 2013, Alenia Aermacchi’s
SF-260TP primary and basic trainer, equipped with new digital avionics
(Glass Cockpit), an enhanced multi-spectral vision system and an upgraded
air conditioning system has completed its first flight in Venegono,
Italy. The aircraft is in final testing stages, and potential customers
have requested demonstrations of it. |
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| Variants | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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SF.260: Production version of the F.260 - SF.260A: Initial production version. Built in small numbers. - SF.260M: Militarised version with strengthened airframe and improved aerodynamics - SF.260AM: Italian Air Force version, 33 built. - SF.260ML: Export version for Libya, 240 built. - SF.260W Warrior: Military version with weapons hardpoints - SF.260SW Sea Warrior: Coast patrol, fishery protection aircraft. One built. - SF.260B: Civilian version incorporating improvements of the SF-260M. Introduced 1974 - SF.260C: Improved version of the SF.260B; introduced in 1977. - SF.260TP: Allison 250-B17D turboprop version of the SF.260C; first flown in 1980. - SF.260D: SF.260C with uprated engine and other refinements. Introduced in 1985 - SF.260E: Uprated SF.260D to compete for a USAF contract but later marketed to other military buyers - SF.260F: As above, with fuel-injected engine - SF.260EA: Most recent variant for Italian Air Force, 30 built. |
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| Technical Data | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Design | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The
design employs a low-mounted cantilever wing and retractable tricycle
undercarriage, and is often praised for its sleek lines and sporty appearance.
The pilot and up to two passengers (or pilot and one student in trainer
versions) are accommodated under a broad, extensively glazed canopy.
The structure is approved for acrobatics The enlarged canopy of SF-260TP
offers much more room for pilots wearing modern military type helmets
while also improving lateral and downward visibility. |
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| Avionics and equipment | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The
SF-260TP is equipped with new digital avionics that will increase the
SF-260’s competitiveness and will allow the aircraft to play a
greater role in the global trainer market. The new cockpit’s layout,
based on an integrated digital avionic system, features two large LCD
displays (6x8 inches) and one Control Display Unit (CDU) that manage
several of the aircraft’s functions. Two Integrated Flight Displays
(IFD) incorporate radio, VHF Omnidirectional Range radio-guide (VOR),
GPS, and Inertial Platform and Air Data and ensure complete redundancy
and top safety for pilots. The aircraft Enhanced Vision System includes
an infra-red television camera installed on the wing leading edge, allowing
pilots better visibility at night and in adverse weather conditions.
In addition to the new cockpit digital avionics and the EVS, a modern
air conditioning system is integrated on the aircraft that guarantees
greater comfort for the crew. The new system, characterized by a high
cooling capability, is completely electrical and is operated by a Digital
Control Display on the instrument panel. |
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| Propulsion | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The
SF-260 TP is powered by a Rolls-Royce (Allison) 250-B17D 420 SHP turboprop
engine, flat-rated at 350 SHP, the SF-260TP takes advantage of excellent
flying qualities and flight control harmonization to offer outstanding
performance in hot and high altitude conditions and uses cheap and widely
available jet fuel, simplifying logistics. A completely automatic fuel
system provides easy and safe operation. |
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Further
flexibility comes form the availability of the “Warrior”
version, configured to carry up to 300 kg of external stores on two
underwing pylons with standard NATO 14” racks. |
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SF-260TP turboprop basic military trainer aircraft technical data sheet specifications intelligence description information identification pictures photos images video Alenia Aermacchi Italy Italian Air Force aviation aerospace defence industry technology
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