Aerobatic
Aviat Pitts S-2C
ICAO: PTS2
Overview
The Aviat Pitts S-1 traces its lineage to Curtis Pitts’ compact aerobatic designs of the 1940s. Known for its short wingspan and high roll rate, the aircraft became a staple of competitive aerobatics. It remains closely associated with American sport flying.
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 1 × Lycoming IO-360 fuel injected
- Engine type
- Piston
- Power
- 200 hp · 149 kW
- Avionics
- —
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 1
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- —
- Cabin height
- —
- Cabin length
- —
- Exterior length
- 17 ft 9 in · 5.41 m
- Tail height
- 6 ft 4 in · 1.94 m
- Fuselage diameter
- —
- Wing span
- 20 ft 0 in · 6.10 m
- Baggage volume
- —
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 1,500 lb · 700 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 350 lb · 150 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 20 gal · 100 L · 100 kg (AvGas)
- Max cruise speed
- 113 kt · 130 mph · 209 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 298 nm · 340 mi · 550 km
- Fuel burn
- 64.00 nm/gal · 31.31 km/L
- Ceiling
- 20,000 ft · 6,100 m
- Rate of climb
- 2,600 ft/min · 13 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- 300 ft · 90 m
- Landing distance
- 500 ft · 150 m
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Operational Context
Aviat Pitts S-1 — single-seat aerobatic biplane
The original Pitts Special first flew in 1944, with production S-1 variants entering service in the 1960s. Its steel tube fuselage and fabric covering kept weight low while maintaining structural strength. The aircraft’s compact biplane configuration delivers rapid control response.
Most S-1 versions are powered by a Lycoming piston engine producing between 180 and 200 horsepower. Cruise speed typically approaches 120 knots (222 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is approximately 1,150 pounds (522 kg), reflecting its focused aerobatic role.
The S-1 became dominant in aerobatic competitions during the 1960s and 1970s. Its handling characteristics reward experienced pilots and precise control inputs. Production continues in limited numbers through Aviat Aircraft, preserving the Pitts legacy.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.