SIAI-Marchetti S.205

Template:Infobox Aircraft The SIAI-Marchetti S.205 is an Italian four-seat, single-engine, light airplane, manufactured by Savoia-Marchetti. The S.205 made its maiden flight in 1965. The Italian Air Force employs a version called S.208.

Development

The S.205 was the brainchild of the SIAI-Marchetti head designer Alexander Brena in 1964. Brena wanted to make a light, general-purpose aircraft, which led to the S.205. The aircraft was all-metal, low-winged, single-engined and provided space for four persons. It was later developed into the S.208, which had a 260 hp engine, retractable landing gear, and 5 places. Other planned, but never realized versions were the S.206 and S.210.

The first produced aircraft, the S.205-18F, flew in the February 1966 and deliveries began the following year. The production seized in 1975, but between 1977 and 1980 a further 140 S.205-20Rs were produced to satisfy an order emitted from the AeroClub Italia (Flying club Italy).

Approximately 65 fuselages were transported to the United States, to be assembled in Syracuse, NY by the WACO. Initially the aircraft was called WACO Sirrus (4 -seat) and later VELA S220 (5-seat), with the death of Mr. Berger, the the president of the company, the assemble of the S.205 came to a halt in the USA.

Operational service

The Italian Air Force acquired 45 aircraft for use as liaision, glider-towing, and traning aircraft. The military version, called S.208M, differed from the civil version through its avionics, its two doors for the cockpit, the possibility to mount a hook to tow the gliders and the lack of some fuel tanks. The first 4 delivered aircraft were S.205s, but were later converted into S.208s.

Two aircraft were also sold to Tunisia, who used them in pilot training.

Versions

S.205

basic version, metal, single-engine four-seat airplane, the F version had a fixed undercarriage, while the R version had a retractable undergear. It was offered with three different engines:

S.205 F/R-18: Avco Lycoming O-360

S.205 F/R-20: Avco Lycoming -360-A1B6D

S.205 F/R-22: Franklin 6A-350C1

S.206

6-seat version, never realized

S.208

5-seat version with a 260 hp engine and a retractable undercarriage

S.208M

version for the Italian Air Force

S.208AG

agricultural version, also used as an aviation-ambulance.

S.210

twin-engine version, never realized

Operators

Italy

Tunisia

Specifications (S.205)

General characteristics

• Crew: Pilot and three passengers

Performance