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Ingenium Canada Aviation and Space Museum

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Pitts Special S-2A (Modified)

Hours and Location

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday to Monday
Address
11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa, ON
Admission
Browse all Visitor Information for Canada Aviation and Space Museum
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Pitts Special S-2A (Modified)

Pitts Special S-2A (Modified)

Highlights:

  • An American aerobatic biplane designed and built by Curtis Pitts at Jacksonville, Florida in 1943–1944; all subsequent variants are based on the 1940s design
  • World leader in aerobatics and sport aviation; won more competitions than any other type in history
  • Equally at ease upside-down or right-side up
  • Still constructed by amateur builders in the United States and Canada
  • S-2 two-seater variant first flew in 1967; still in production by Aviat Aircraft as of 2011
  • Type popularized by American air show performer Betty Skelton; her aircraft was nicknamed "Little Stinker"
  • First flight was in 1973

Image Gallery:

The Pitts Special outside

History:

Pitts Specials carry a high profile in the world of sport aviation as they are acknowledged to be one of the world’s leading aerobatic aircraft, winning more competitions than any other type in history. These nimble aircraft incorporate different upper and lower wing sections that provide inverted performance equal to conventional “right side up” flight. This wing design also facilitates outside loops. The original Pitts design dates from the early 1940s and over the years more powerful engines and various aerodynamic modifications have led to several models that are capable of unlimited aerobatics carrying two persons.

Current Location:

Reserve Hangar, Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Provenance:

Donation with cultural property certification

This S-2A was manufactured by Aerotek Inc., of Afton, Wyoming, in 1973. During the 1970s, it was used by Canada's first civilian aerobatic team, the famous Carling Red Caps aerobatic team. This S-2A is the last surviving aircraft used by this aerobatic team. It was also flown by the Canadian Reds and the Ray-Ban Golds: teams that came after the Red Caps.

During the 1980s and the early 1990s, the S-2A was flown by William Cowan of White Rock, British Columbia. From 1995 to 2002, David Gillespie of Corman Park, Saskatchewan performed in the aircraft, primarily in Saskatchewan.

The aircraft was donated to the Museum in 2003. During the years that it was used, it was modified a number of times to incorporate changes that had been introduced in later Pitt Special models. The aircraft's current markings reflect its final years as a member of the Ray-Ban Golds team.

Technical Information:

Wing Span (upper) 6.1 m (20 ft)
Length 5.7 m (18 ft 9 in)
Height 2 m (6 ft 7 in)
Weight, Empty 522 kg (1,150 lb)
Weight, Gross 737 kg (1,625 lb)
Cruising Speed 280 km/h (175 mph)
Max Speed 340 km/h (210 mph)
Rate of Climb 820 m (2,700 ft) /min
Service Ceiling 6,400 m (21,000 ft)
Range 515 km (320 mi)
Power Plant Lycoming IO-540-D4A5, 260 hp

Pitts Special S-2A (Modified) plan

AVIATION
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Artifact No.
2002.0367
Manufacturer
Pitts Aviation Enterprises Incorporated
Manufacturer Location
United States
Manufacture Date
1973
Acquisition Date
2002
Registration Number
C-FAMR
  • View all the collection highlights at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum
  • View other collection highlights related to Aviation

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About Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Located on a former military air base just five kilometers from the Prime Minister’s residence at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum focuses on aviation in Canada within an international context – from its beginnings in 1909 to today.
Read more about the museum

Contact Us

Canada Aviation and Space Museum
11 Aviation Parkway
Ottawa ON K1K 2X5
Canada

613-991-3044
1-866-442-4416
contact@IngeniumCanada.org
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  • Plan Your Visit
    • Health and Safety
    • Hours
    • Admission
    • Location and Directions
    • Accessibility
    • Browse All Visitor Information
    • Buy Tickets
    • Online Resources for Science at Home
    • About the Museum
  • What's On at the Museum
    • Events
    • Exhibitions
    • Flights and Simulations
    • Spaces and Studios
  • Bookings and Rentals
    • School Programs
    • Summer Camps
    • Venue Rentals
    • Travelling Exhibitions
    • Virtual Field Trips
    • Group Visits
    • Birthday Parties
  • Educational Programs
    • School Programs
    • Virtual Field Trips
    • Program Location
      • At the Museum
      • At your School
      • Online
      • Browse all Educational Programs
    • Popular Links
      • 3D Educational Resources
      • Digital Learning Kits
      • Games and Apps
      • Online Resources for Science at Home
      • Try This Out
  • Collection and Research
    • Research Institute
    • Research Projects
    • Collection Resources
      • Ingenium Collection
      • Collection Highlights
      • Conservation and Collection Services
    • Library and Archives
      • Library and Archives Services
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      • Digital Archives
    • Open Access
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      • Open Data
      • Open Documents
  • Projects and Initiatives
    • Ingenium Channel
    • The Legacy Series
    • Let's Talk Energy