Pitts S-2
Pitts Aerobatics / Aviat Aircraft · United States · first flew 1967 · light aircraft
The Pitts S-2 is the two-seat tandem version of the Pitts Special biplane, used worldwide for aerobatic instruction and two-seat unlimited competition. It shares the S-1's extraordinary handling qualities while accommodating instructor and student.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.71 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Two-seat aerobatic biplane with equal-chord staggered wings and tandem open cockpits
- Wider and longer than the single-seat S-1, with dual control sticks
- Fixed taildragger undercarriage and symmetrical wing aerofoil
Larger and slightly less agile-looking than the S-1, with the telltale tandem open cockpits (or enclosed bubble on the S-2C), equal-chord biplane wings, and fixed cross-axle taildragger gear. The wider track undercarriage compared to the S-1 is visible at close range.
Specifications
- The Pitts S-2 has a length of 5.71 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.1 m (20 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 283 km/h (176 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1967, the S-2 was designed to provide the same aerobatic capability as the S-1 in a dual-control format. Christen Industries and later Aviat Aircraft produced factory versions, including the S-2A, S-2B, and S-2C, each with progressively more powerful engines.
Variants
The S-2A uses a 200 hp Lycoming AEIO-360; the S-2B a 260 hp AEIO-540; the S-2C introduced fuel injection and a one-piece blown canopy. All three remain in production or recent manufacture.
Where you'll see it
The standard aerobatic instruction platform at UK BAeA schools; operated by dedicated aerobatic training schools and private owners who fly two-seat Unlimited competitions.
Related aircraft
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