The Aermacchi S-211 is a jet-powered military trainer aircraft designed and originally marketed by SIAI Marchetti as the S.211. Some 60 aircraft have been sold to air forces around the world. Aermacchi bought the production rights in 1997. The redesigned M-311 is currently under development by Alenia Aermacchi.
Design and development
SIAI Marchetti began work on the aircraft in 1976 as a private venture basic trainer, hoping to offer it to the company's existing customer base of small air forces operating their piston-engined SF.260. Formally announced in Paris the following year, interest was strong enough to justify the construction of two prototypes, the first of which flew on 10 April 1981. The Singapore Air Force placed the first order for ten aircraft in 1983.[1]
The S-211 is a small tandem two-seat shoulder-wing monoplane with a retractable tricycle landing gear and powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4C turbofan.[1] The aircraft was designed with a secondary close air support capability with four underwing hardpoints.[1]
The S-211A was a slightly modified and updated variant of the S-211, was a losing contender in the USA's Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPTATS) aircraft selection. Among the seven to enter, the Raytheon/Pilatus entry won, which became the T-6 Texan II. The S-211 team was partnered with Grumman, and then Northrop Grumman after 1994.
Like many military trainers, the S-211 can be armed for weapons training or light ground attack duties.
Variants
- S-211
- Original production version with total of approximately sixty built and were operated by the Air Forces of Haiti, Philippines and Singapore.[2]
- S-211A
- Proposed version developed with input from Grumman for the JPATS (two prototypes, converted from two former Haitian S-211 aircraft).[2]
- M-311
- Modernized and uprated version announced by Aermacchi in 2004 (two protoypes built).[2]
Operators
An S-211 from the 105th Training Squadron, Philippine Air Force.
 Philippines
 Singapore
Former operator
 Haiti
Civilian
 United States
- Two second-hand aircraft are operated by private companies.[7][8]
Accidents and incidents
On 21 September 1992 a Philippine Air Force aircraft crashed into the sea after taking off from Antonio Bautista Air Base, Palawan, the fate of both the crews and airframe are listed as missing by the PAF.[3]
Specifications (S-211)
General characteristics
- Crew: Two (student and instructor)
- Length: 9.31 m (30 ft 7 in)
- Wingspan: 8.43 m (27 ft 8 in)
- Height: 3.8 m (12 ft 2 in)
- Wing area: 12.6 m² (135.63 ft²)
- Empty weight: 1,850 kg (4,070 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 2,750 kg (6,050 lb)
- Powerplant: 1× Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4C turbofan engine, 11.12 kN (2,500 lbf)
Performance
Armament
- Up to 600 kg (1,455 lb) of weapons on four hardpoints, including gunpods, bombs, and rockets.
See also
Related development
Comparable aircraft
References
Bibliography
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.
External links
|
Lists relating to aviation |
|
| General |
|
|
| Military |
|
|
| Accidents/incidents |
|
|
| Records |
|
|
|
_S.211.png)
