Siai-Marchetti SF-260 vs Nanchang CJ-6A
The CJ-6 and SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 are military piston trainers — the CJ-6 a radial tandem warbird, the SF.260 a fast, sleek flat-engine side-by-side with fighter-like handling.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 | Nanchang CJ-6A |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | — | $39,500 – $199,000 |
| Category | — | Warbirds |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 2 |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 18.0 GPH (68 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $45,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $20,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $200 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateSIAI-Marchetti SF-260
Nanchang CJ-6A
Fuel$99/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$60,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 or Nanchang CJ-6A?
Bottom line: Choose the SF.260 for speed and crisp fighter-like handling; choose the CJ-6 for radial warbird character at a lower price. SF.260 = speed/handling; CJ-6 = radial/value. ================================================================ # CROSS-REFS ================================================================ - ref: Yak-52 mirror in yakovlev; T-6 in north-american; SF.260 in siai-marchetti.
Pick the SF-260 if…
Pick the CJ-6A if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 or Nanchang CJ-6A?
It depends on your mission and budget.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Nanchang CJ-6A: from $79,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 and Nanchang CJ-6A?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
CJ-6A: about $200/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
CJ-6A: 2 seats.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
CJ-6A: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$45,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data