What Is The Aermacchi S-211?
The Aermacchi S-211. Lightweight military jet trainer offering economical flight hours with full aerobatic flight envelope metrics.
Italy
Origin
Jet trainer
Role
667 km/h
Top speed
12,200 m
Service ceiling
Aermacchi S-211 Specifications
The Aermacchi S-211 is a light military jet trainer, which focused on cost-effective basic and advanced pilot instruction in its design. It’s powered by a Pratt & Whitney JT15D turbofan, that reaches 414 mph and a 40,000 ft ceiling, combining forgiving flight dynamics with external weapon hardpoints.
Performance
Top speed
414 mph (667 km/h)
Service ceiling
40,000 ft (12,200 m)
Combat radius
180 nmi (333 km)
Rate of climb
4,200 ft/min (21.3 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
2
Length
30 ft 7 in (9.31 m)
Wingspan
27 ft 8 in (8.43 m)
Empty weight
4,078 lbs (1,850 kg)
Engine
1x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4C turbofan
Service
First flight
10 April 1981
Unit cost
$3.5 million
Operators
Philippines, Singapore (Retired), Haiti
What Weapons Does The Aermacchi S-211 Carry?
The Aermacchi S-211 features four underwing hardpoints supporting 1,460 lbs of light armament, including 20mm or .50 caliber gun pods, unguided rocket launchers, and small conventional practice bombs.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
Gun Pod
Category
12.7 mm Machine Gun Pod
Loadout
Up to 2 pods
Range
1,000 metres (effective)
LAU-68 Rocket Pod
Category
70 mm Unguided Rockets
Loadout
Up to 4 pods
Range
3 km (1.9 miles)
Mark 81
Category
General-Purpose Bomb
Loadout
Up to 4 bombs
Range
Gravity released
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The Aermacchi S-211?
The S-211 reaches around 460 mph, Mach 0.65. It is the lightest jet on the Jetify roster, weighing under two tonnes empty, and that low mass gives it a lively feel and a good roll rate despite modest thrust. Its supercritical wing was advanced for a trainer of its era, improving efficiency across the speed range.
How Was The Aermacchi S-211 Developed?
SIAI-Marchetti designed the S-211 as a private venture in the late 1970s, aiming at air forces wanting jet training at turboprop running costs. The prototype flew on 10 April 1981. Aermacchi acquired the programme in 1997 and later developed it into the M-311 and M-345.
Has The Aermacchi S-211 Seen Combat?
The S-211 has seen very limited combat use. Philippine Air Force examples flew light attack sorties against insurgent groups in the southern Philippines, the type's only significant operational employment.
Who Operates The Aermacchi S-211?
The Philippines, Singapore, Haiti and Brunei have operated the S-211. Several airframes are in civilian hands in Europe and the United States, and Jetify offers passenger flights in one over the Alps from southern Germany.
Aermacchi S-211 FAQs
Common questions about the Aermacchi S-211, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the Aermacchi S-211 as a passenger?
Yes, you can fly as a passenger in the Aermacchi S-211 through Jetify, with flights from Southern Germany. You fly in a two-seat example with a qualified pilot, and no licence or flying experience is required. The Aermacchi S-211 is one of 7 aircraft types Jetify offers from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the Aermacchi S-211?
Yes, in most cases you can take the controls of the Aermacchi S-211. It has dual controls, and pilots routinely hand over in level flight and gentle turns once satisfied you are comfortable. Takeoff, landing and low-level flying stay with the pilot.
How much does an Aermacchi S-211 flight cost?
An Aermacchi S-211 flight with Jetify starts from around £3,300, $4,400 or €3,900 per person, flying from Southern Germany. The price includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening. Prices depend on the aircraft and location: L-39 Albatros flights start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, and the Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600.
Is there a weight or height limit to fly in the Aermacchi S-211?
Yes, a flight in the Aermacchi S-211 has strict height and weight limits, set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Across jet experiences, height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force will I feel in the Aermacchi S-211?
The G-force you feel in the Aermacchi S-211 depends on the profile you agree with your pilot: on civilian jet experiences, aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load, and the profile can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book an Aermacchi S-211 flight?
Book an Aermacchi S-211 flight 2 to 4 months in advance, because limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances restrict slots on real ex-military jet experiences. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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