Pitts S-2s

Single Piston

The Pitts S-2S Special is a purpose-built aerobatic biplane that represents the pinnacle of Curtis Pitts' legendary design lineage, first introduced in the mid-1990s as a two-seat variant optimized for competition aerobatics and advanced training. Powered by a 260-horsepower Lycoming AEIO-540 fuel-injected engine driving a constant-speed propeller, the S-2S delivers exceptional roll rates exceeding 300 degrees per second and can sustain loads from +6G to -3G, making it a favorite among airshow performers and Unlimited-category aerobatic competitors. Its symmetrical airfoil and balanced control harmony allow pilots to execute knife-edge flight, lomcevaks, and tumbles with precision that few production aircraft can match. The type's compact 20-foot wingspan and robust steel-tube fuselage construction provide the structural integrity needed for the most demanding maneuvers, while the tandem seating arrangement preserves the classic Pitts aesthetic and keeps the center of gravity tightly controlled. Unlike earlier single-seat Pitts models, the S-2S offers the versatility of dual instruction, allowing seasoned aerobatic pilots to mentor the next generation in the same airframe they fly competitively. With a never-exceed speed of 194 knots and a stall speed as low as 53 knots in landing configuration, the S-2S operates across an unusually wide envelope, though its real domain is the aerobatic box where energy management and control authority matter more than raw speed. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with among the most active observed.