The Team flies four Aviat-built Pitts Special S2B biplane aerobatic aircraft designed by Curtis Pitts, with 260 hp Lycoming AE540 engines. Only 196 of these magnificent aircraft were built and we are proud to be able to display these fine examples of aerobatic excellence. The Pitts Special dominated world aerobatic competitions in the 1960’s and 1970’s and even today remain a potent aerobatics aircraft.

Specifications (S-2B)

General characteristics

• Crew: two (only one during aerobatic displays)
• Length: 18 ft 9 in (5.71 m)
• Wingspan: 20 ft 0 in (6.10 m)
• Height: 6 ft 7⅓ in (2.02 m)
• Wing area: 125 ft² (11.6 m²)
• Empty weight: 1,150 lb (521 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 1,625 lb (737 kg)
• Powerplant: 1× Textron Lycoming AEIO-540-D4A5 flat-six air cooled piston engine, 260 hp (194 kW)

Performance

• Max speed: 182 knots (210 mph, 338 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 152 knots (175 mph, 282 km/h) (max cruise)
• Stall speed: 52 knots (60 mph, 97 km/h)
• Range: 277 NM (319 mi, 513 km)
• Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m)
• Rate of climb: 2,700 ft/min (13.7 m/s)
• Wing loading: 13.0 lb/ft² (63.6 kg/m²)
• Power/mass: 0.16 hp/lb (0.26 kW)