Aviat Pitts S-2B Special

The Pitts S-2B is a more powerful version of the S-2A which allows the aircraft to be used for unlimited aerobatics with two people on board. The wings and undercarriage are moved forward 6” (15cm) to accommodate the larger engine. The latest version of the Pitts Special and the only factory produced model currently available is the S-2C which is similar to the S-2B except for its length which is 17’9”(5.4m) and height of 6’5”(1.95m). It features a new fin and horizontal tailplane, improved wingtips and engine cowling, and a redesigned windshield. The S-2C was first flown in 1998.

   N789JB                    c/n 5224                          USA
2 seat aerobatic aircraft first flown in 1982

Engine: 260hp(194kW) Lycoming AEIO-540-D4A5
Length: 18’9”(5.71m)                                                                                          Height: 6’7.5”(2.01m)
Wingspan: 20’0”(6.1m)                                                                                                 No.built: 300+
Range: 319miles(513km)                                                                 Cruising speed: 175mph(282kmh) Empty weight: 1150lb(522kg)                                                 Maximum take-off weight: 1625lb(737kg)

An example of the Pitts S-2C is illustrated below, this particular aircraft being powered by a 300hp(223kW) Lycoming IO-540.

                                      N4HV                      c/n 6001

The Pitts Special has been the subject of many modifications over the years and was the basis for the Pitts Racer which was first flown in 1967. This aircraft has been flown at the National Championship Air Races which have been held at Reno, Nevada since 1964. The Pitts Racer “Class Action”, illustrated below is powered by a 140hp (104kW) Lycoming O-290 and came fourth in the biplane class at the 2002 Reno races.

                                      N382SJ                c/n DMR-1

At least one Pitts Special was modified with an undercarriage mounted on the upper wings to allow inverted (very daring and very tricky) landings at air shows. An example of a Pitts S-2B with such a modification is illustrated below.

                                       N25CH                  c/n 5106

Another interesting variant of the Pitts Special design is the Czech built Pitts Special Mini which is a single seat ultralight powered by a 65hp (48kW) Nissan engine which gives it a cruising speed of 145mph (232kW). It is shown below.

                                       Registration unknown

 Another example of a modified Pitts Special is the Reynolds Wildcat which was first flown in 1991 and is illustrated below.

                                       SE-XPU               c/n 01-995

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