PITTS S-1S “SPECIAL”€

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pitts Special, initially named "Lil' Stinker" and designed by Curtis Pitts, is recognized as one of the world's most outstanding aerobatic aircraft.
  • Its exceptional performance led the U.S. Acrobatic Team to victory in the 1972 world meet exclusively flying Pitts biplanes.
  • The aircraft remains a preferred choice among top aerobatic performers due to its proven capabilities.
  • It is typically powered by a 180-hp engine, with 200-hp installations also being common.
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STANDARD DATA: Gross wt. 1,950. Empty wt. 710. Fuel capacity 19. Wingspan 17’4″. Length 14’3″.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 156. Cruise mph 140. Stall mph 57. Climb rate 2,600. Takeoff run 450. Landing roll 1,000. Range 350.

Originally designed and designated “Lil’ Stinker” by aircraft-design legend Curtis Pitts, the Pitts Special is one of the world’s most outstanding aerobatic aircraft. It was no mere coincidence that the U.S. Acrobatic Team members, which outflew all competition in the 1972 world acrobatic meet and established themselves as virtually unbeatable champions, flew only Pitts biplanes. While there are a number of fine aerobatic ships around the sky, there’s got to be a reason why so many of the top performers fly the Pitts. The plans called for installation of a 180-hp engine, but it is not uncommon to find aircraft powered by a 200-hp engine.

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