Aircraft & UAVs

SF-260

The SF-260 is an Italian trainer and light attack aircraft designed by Stelio Frati and built by SIAI-Marchetti and later Aermacchi/Leonardo. In the Battle of Marawi, Philippine Air Force SF-260s were used as light attack air-support aircraft alongside helicopters, OV-10s, and FA-50s against IS-aligned militant positions in dense urban terrain.

Conflict side
Philippine government forces
Built by
SIAI-MarchettiAermacchiLeonardo
Built in
Italy

Service History

In service
Philippine Air Force trainer and light attack service, including Marawi operations in 2017
Used by
Philippine Air Force
Wars
Battle of Marawi

Production History

Designer
Stelio Frati
Designed
1960s; first flight in 1964 and certification in 1966
Built by
SIAI-MarchettiAermacchiLeonardo
Built in
Italy
Produced
1960s-2010s
Number built
900th aircraft delivered by 2012
Variants
SF-260M, SF-260W Warrior, SF-260TP

Specifications

Crew / seats
Usually one pilot with up to two seats depending on configuration
Powerplant
Lycoming O-540-E or AEIO-540-D piston engine on SF.260 variants; SF-260TP uses a turboprop installation
Maximum speed
About 200 mph in Singapore MINDEF SF-260 factsheet; AOPA lists 182 kt maximum level speed for the SF.260
Range
About 1,273 miles at 10,000 ft in Singapore MINDEF SF-260 factsheet
Dimensions
Length 23 ft 4 in; wingspan 27 ft 5 in; height 7 ft 11 in in AOPA SF.260 specifications
Armament / stores
Philippine SF-260TP image notes describe two hardpoints for gun pods, 70 mm rocket launchers, or bomb racks

Conflict Usage

Battle of Marawi
Side: Philippine government forcesRole: Light attack close air supportclose air supportstrike

Philippine forces used the SF-260 as an air-support and light-attack aircraft during the 2017 Battle of Marawi; AFP statements said it was deployed to support attack helicopters and ground troops, later resumed after a friendly-fire investigation, and Philippine News Agency reporting described SF-260s attacking terrorist targets and strongholds in the campaign.

SF-260 Images

Related Weapon Systems

AC-130 gunship, Heavily armed fixed-wing gunship, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAC-130 gunshipHeavily armed fixed-wing gunshipThe AC-130 gunship is a side-firing U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command attack aircraft family derived from the C-130 Hercules. Modern AC-130U, AC-130W, and AC-130J variants combine sensors, fire-control systems, cannon armament, and precision-guided munitions for close air support, armed reconnaissance, air interdiction, and overwatch, roles documented in Afghanistan during Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Resolute Support, and the Kabul evacuation.

Sources