Pitts Model 12

The Pitts Model 12[3]) is a high performance aerobatic biplane designed around the Vedeneyev M14P/PF engine. The aircraft can be built from plans or as a kitplane; or can be bought ready-to-fly from the factory.[4]

Pitts Model 12
Factory-built Pitts 12S
Role Biplane
National origin United States of America
Manufacturer 92nd West Aviation
Designer Curtis Pitts
First flight March 1996
Number built 59 (2011)[1]
Unit cost
US$74,500 kit, US$345,000 complete (2016)[2]
"The Beast" Model 12

Design and development

The Pitts model 12 was designed by Curtis Pitts starting in 1993. Pitts presented his completed design on his 80th birthday in December 1995.[5]

The Pitts Model 12 is a biplane built using fabric covered welded steel tubing for the fuselage, and fabric covered wings with wood spars. The leading edge is made of formed plywood. The landing gear is solid aluminum.

Operational history

As of December 2011, 59 examples had been completed and flown.[1]

Variants

There are several models variants

  • Plans built
  • HP model - Kit
  • Model 12S - factory built
  • A single place variant has been constructed by Jim Kimball Enterprises called "The Beast".[6]

Specifications (Pitts Model 12)

Data from Pitts model 12.com

General characteristics

  • Capacity: 2
  • Length: 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
  • Wingspan: 23 ft (7.0 m)
  • Empty weight: 1,550 lb (703 kg)
  • Gross weight: 2,250 lb (1,021 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 54 gal
  • Powerplant: 1 × Vedeneyev M14P/PF , 360 hp (270 kW)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed MT Propeller

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 150 kn (170 mph, 270 km/h)
  • Stall speed: 56 kn (64 mph, 103 km/h)
  • Range: 430 nmi (500 mi, 800 km)
  • Rate of climb: 2,900 ft/min (15 m/s)

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References
  1. Vandermeullen, Richard (December 2011). "2012 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide". Kitplanes. Vol. 28 no. 12. Belvoir Publications. p. 58. ISSN 0891-1851.
  2. "Pitts Model 12 Component Price List" (PDF). Jim Kimball Enterprises. July 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
  3. Purdy, Don, ed. (1998). AeroCrafter: Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook (5th ed.). BAI Communications. p. 207. ISBN 0963640941.
  4. Kitplanes. Belvoir Publications. June 2004. ISSN 0891-1851. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. "History". Pitts Model 12. Jim Kimball Enterprises. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  6. "The Biplane". The Beast. Archived from the original on 26 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.

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