SIAI-Marchetti Aircraft
14 used SIAI-Marchetti aircraft listings · $46,584–$950,000 · last refreshed 5 hours ago
About SIAI-Marchetti Aircraft Company
SIAI-Marchetti (Societa Idrovolanti Alta Italia) was an Italian aircraft manufacturer with a heritage dating back to 1915. The company is best known for the SF.260 — a high-performance, fully aerobatic two/three-seat trainer and touring aircraft that has served with over 30 air forces worldwide. The SF.260 combines Italian design elegance with a Lycoming O-540 engine (260 hp) and retractable landing gear, achieving 185-knot cruise speeds.
Pre-owned SF.260 models typically sell for $150,000-350,000 depending on variant and military/civilian history. The S.211 jet trainer occasionally appears on the civilian market as well. The SF.260 offers exceptional build quality, aerobatic capability (+6/-3G), and superb handling. Buyers should verify the aircraft's provenance (military surplus vs. civilian), check for corrosion, and confirm the landing gear system is properly maintained.
SIAI-Marchetti Aircraft for Sale
Price $46,584–$950,000
SIAI-Marchetti Aircraft Price & Cost
How much does a SIAI-Marchetti aircraft cost? Current pricing for used SIAI-Marchetti aircraft (also known as SIAI-Marchetti choppers or SIAI-Marchetti helis) is broken down per model in the table below — covering acquisition price, hourly operating cost and overhaul cost.
| Type | Model | Used price range | Op cost / hr | Annual fixed | Overhaul cost | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Engine Piston | $239,900–$239,900 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $79,975–$79,975 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Single Engine Piston | — | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $950,000–$950,000 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $46,584–$46,584 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $210,348–$221,274 | — | — | — | 3 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $188,666–$188,666 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $250,000–$250,000 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $274,999–$274,999 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $795,000–$795,000 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $324,900–$324,900 | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $239,000–$239,000 | — | — | — | 1 |
The cost of a SIAI-Marchetti aircraft depends on model, year, hours flown, avionics and condition. See operating costs and pre-buy checklist in the About section, or open a specific model page for a detailed price guide.
SIAI-Marchetti Models
Single Engine Piston
Frequently Asked Questions — SIAI-Marchetti
What is the SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 and why is it sought after?
The SF.260 is an Italian military trainer designed by legendary Stelio Frati, in production since 1964 with 870+ delivered to 27 air forces. It is widely considered the best-handling aerobatic airplane with more than two seats — jet-like handling in a piston single. The flush-riveted all-metal construction is exceptional, and civilian examples command premium prices for their performance, build quality, and exotic Italian pedigree.
How does the SF.260 fly for aerobatics?
The SF.260 is approved for full aerobatics including rolls, loops, and Immelmanns. It does not have the instantaneous response of a dedicated aerobat like an Extra or Pitts, but its three-seat cabin, cross-country capability, and instrument flying approval make it far more versatile. The compact, dense structure provides ballistic characteristics similar to a jet. Pilots praise its balanced, predictable handling throughout the aerobatic envelope.
What should SF.260 buyers check before purchasing?
Verify military service history and total airframe hours — many SF.260s saw intensive training use. The type was produced in multiple variants: the SF.260M (military trainer), SF.260W (armed version), and SF.260TP (turboprop). Civilian SF.260C/D models are most desirable for private owners. Parts support comes through Leonardo (formerly Alenia Aermacchi). Expect premium pricing — the combination of Italian design, aerobatic capability, and military heritage makes clean examples expensive.
SIAI-Marchetti Inventory by Country
| United States | 8 |
| Italy | 3 |
| Australia | 1 |
| Switzerland | 1 |
Recently Sold SIAI-Marchetti
| 1976 SM-1019 | $239,000 |
| 1978 SF260W Warrior | $273,258 |
| 1969 SF-260-A | $462,150 |