| abstract | - The Aermacchi SF.260 is a light aircraft marketed as an aerobatics and military trainer. It was designed by Stelio Frati, originally for Aviamilano, which flew the first prototype of it (then designated F.260) on July 15, 1964. Actual production was undertaken when SIAI Marchetti purchased the design soon thereafter and continued with this firm until the company was bought by Aermacchi in 1997. The military versions are popular with smaller air forces, which can also arm it for use in the close-support role. The manufacturer's website notes, "The SF-260 is the world’s most widespread screener and primary trainer. Known for its pure lines and excellent flying characteristics, it is available in both piston-engine and turboprop variants, respectively powered by a 260 hp Lycoming AEIO-540 (SF-260E) or a 350 shp Rolls-Royce Model 250 B-17D turboprop (SF-260TP). The SF-260 has been used by various civilian aerobatic teams and by several flight schools of airlines. Some 27 different military customers have already bought more than 900 SF-260 in all variants."
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