Sim Skunk Works announces development of the SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 for MSFS

We’re running a bit of an editorial theme today, especially dedicated to European military trainer aircraft that have played an important role in the Old Continent and beyond. Following our early preview of the AzurPoly Socata TB 30 Epsilon, now we’ll turn to Italy to introduce you to Sim Skunk Works’ next project for MSFS: the SIAI-Marchetti SF.260.

Sim Skunk Works has made a name for itself with the Fiat G-91 and the Starfighter, two military jets with some very different characteristics, but both well represented by the developers in Microsoft Flight Simulator. After the release of the single-seat Starfighter earlier this month, this week, Sim Skunk Works announced the next project for the team, who will now look to re-create the SF.260 for MSFS.

The SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 is a light Italian aircraft that has been most commonly used as a trainer for military forces. It first flew in 1964, so there’s a rich operation history with this aircraft, which has been operated by air forces from all over the world, but especially from African countries.

sim skunk works siai marchetti sf 360 msfs 2
The SF.260 brings that classy Italian appeal to the world of aviation.

The SF.260 is an aerobatic-capable airplane, with sleek lines and sporty performance. Sim Skunk Works will be developing the original version of the aircraft, which was powered by a Lycoming O-540 engine with 260 hp. Some later variants even featured turbocharged engines, but Sim Skunk Works seems to be focusing on the earlier model.

For now, there’s no additional information about this new project from Sim Skunk Works. Not even some initial images, which is to be expected since development hasn’t started yet. Hopefully, we’ll be getting some fresh new details in due time.

The idea of seeing the SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 developed for MSFS may be familiar to some. If you remember, SimCoders and JRollon were working on this same model in the earlier months of the new Microsoft Flight Simulator, but after some initial teasers, we stopped hearing news about that specific project. It appears that the SF.260 will indeed come to MSFS, now in an effort from Sim Skunk Works… maybe this news will impulse SimCoders and JRollon to bring their own project back from the grave.