SIAI-MARCHETTI S.205 (WACO 5.220)/S.2018

1966’€“81

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Siai-Marchetti S.205 was a versatile aircraft produced in multiple versions from 1965, featuring engines from 180 to 300 hp and various gear types, designed with rigid honeycomb panels for uses ranging from economical touring to high-performance executive flying.
  • Specific variants, such as the S.202-22/R, were also assembled in the United States as the Waco Vela S.220; while most S.205 models ceased production by 1972, the more powerful S.208 (260-hp Lycoming, retractable gear) entered production in 1968.
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STANDARD DATA: (S.205-20/R) Seats 4. Gross wt. 2,755. Empty wt. 1,630. Fuel capacity 56. Engine 200-hp Lycoming.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 174. Cruise mph 159. Stall mph 52. Initial climb rate 865. Range 940. Ceiling 17,650. Takeoff distance (50′) 1,340. Landing distance (50′) 1,540.

STANDARD DATA: (S.202-22/R) Seats 4. Gross wt. 2,755. Empty wt. 1,653. Fuel capacity 56. Engine 220-hp Franklin. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 183. Cruise mph 175. Stall mph 52. Initial climb rate
1,160. Range 823. Ceiling 20,330. Takeoff distance (50′) 1,240. Landing distance (50′) 1,540.

STANDARD DATA: (S.208) Seats 4. Gross wt. 3,306. Empty wt. 1,785. Fuel capacity 117. Engine 260-hp Lycoming. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 199. Cruise mph 187. Stall mph 58. Range 1,250. Ceiling 17,725. Takeoff distance (50′) 1,640. Landing distance (50′) 1,310.

The Siai-Marchetti S.205 was built in several versions, all differing in engine size and gear type. For this reason, the airplane’s uses can range from the most economical touring craft to a high-performance executive craft. It is designed to house engines varying in size from 180 to 300 hp. All Siai-Marchetti aircraft make use of honeycomb panels to give the airframe an exceptionally rigid structure. The first examples were completed in 1965, and were all powered by 180-hp Lycoming engines.

Later models included the S.205-10/17, S.205-1 8/R, S.205-20/17, S.205-20/R, S.205-22/R, and S.202-221M. The numbers following the dash refer to the engine size (10 = 100 hp, 18 = 180 hp, etc.) and the letter refers to retractable, fixed, or military. The Model S.202-22/R was powered by a Franklin engine and utilized retractable gear; it was also assembled in the United States by Allied Aero Industries as the Waco Vela S.220. All the variations went out of production in 1972 except the 20/17 and 20/R. The S.208 entered production in 1968 and shared nearly 60% of the S.206’s structural components. It is powered by a 260-hp Lycoming and features retractable landing gear.

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