Siai-Marchetti SF-260 vs Nanchang CJ-6A

The CJ-6 and SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 are military piston trainers — the CJ-6 a radial tandem warbird, the SF.260 a fast, sleek flat-engine side-by-side with fighter-like handling.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Siai-Marchetti SF-260

No active listings right now.

Nanchang CJ-6A
For sale now
3
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
1979–2001

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)SIAI-Marchetti SF-260Nanchang CJ-6A
All events26
Serious02
Fatal22
Fatalities34
% Fatal100%33%
View full SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 NTSB record →View full Nanchang CJ-6A NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 Nanchang CJ-6A
Nanchang CJ-6A
View 3 listings →
Median $79,900
Price Range — $43,540 – $187,090
Category — Warbirds
Model Specifications
Seats — 2
Cruise Speed 160 kts (296 km/h) 160 kts (296 km/h)
Range 890 nm (1,648 km) 380 nm (704 km)
Max Gross Weight 2,646 lbs (1,200 kg) 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg)
Fuel Burn — 18.0 GPH (68 L/h)
TBO — 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $45,000
Annual Fixed — $20,000
Hourly Variable — $200
Engines — 1 x Reciprocating

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

SIAI-Marchetti SF-260

Nanchang CJ-6A

Fuel$99/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $60,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 or Nanchang CJ-6A?

Bottom line: Choose the SF.260 for speed and crisp fighter-like handling; choose the CJ-6 for radial warbird character at a lower price. SF.260 = speed/handling; CJ-6 = radial/value. ================================================================ # CROSS-REFS ================================================================ - ref: Yak-52 mirror in yakovlev; T-6 in north-american; SF.260 in siai-marchetti.

Pick the SF-260 if…

  • Longer range — 890 nm vs 380 nm.

Pick the CJ-6A if…

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 or Nanchang CJ-6A?
It depends on your mission and budget. The SF-260 cruises at 160 kts with 890 nm range. The CJ-6A cruises at 160 kts with 380 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Nanchang CJ-6A: from $79,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 and Nanchang CJ-6A?
Cruise: 160 vs 160 kts. Range: 890 vs 380 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
CJ-6A: about $200/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
CJ-6A: 2 seats. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
CJ-6A: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$45,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data